Prosecutors say suspect who threw child off balcony went to Mall of America 'looking for someone to kill'
According to court documents, Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda went to the Mall of America looking to kill an adult and the 5-year-old boy was not his original target; Alicia Acuna reports.
The 5-year-old boy who was thrown off a balcony inside Mall of America earlier this month is making a miraculous recovery and an MRI scan show that his injuries are similar to that of a child who fell off his bike, not someone who fell 40 feet, the family’s pastor said.
Landen Hoffman underwent a five-hour long MRI scan and doctors determined that his injuries were not as serious as they once feared, Mac Hammond, a pastor from the family's church, said on Easter Sunday, according to KARE.
R. Stephen Tillitt, an attorney who represents the family, told The Associated Press he couldn't confirm or deny that information as if would invade the Hoffmans' privacy.
The story made national headlines. Landen and his mother were standing outside a restaurant when police said they were approached by a man who threw the boy over the railing.
Emmanuel Aranda, 24, of Minneapolis, faces attempted murder charges, WQAD reported.
MAN ACCUSED OF TOSSING BOY FROM MALL OF AMERICA BALCONY FACES JUDGE
Landen Hoffman, the 5-year-old boy who was thrown nearly 40 feet from the third story balcony at the Mall of America, is said to be making a miraculous recovery. (Christian Broadcasting Service)
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After years of visiting the mall trying to pick up women, Aranda allegedly told police the constant rejection made him lash out, WQAD reported.
A crowdsourcing page created by a family friend raised almost $1 million for Landen’s healing process.
"Doctors said they found no brain damage...not even any swelling," Hammond said. "No spinal damage, no nerve damage ... doctors are saying it is truly a miracle."
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