Mall Attacker Gets 19 Years for Throwing Boy over Railing

The “evil and selfish” Minneapolis man who threw a child over a third-floor railing at the Mall of America was sentenced to 19 years in prison on Monday.

Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda, 24, looked straight ahead or down throughout most of the short sentencing hearing and declined to address the court when Hennepin County District Judge Jeannice Reding offered him that opportunity.

Aranda pleaded guilty last month to first-degree attempted murder, in connection to the April 12 attack in Bloomington, Minnesota, that nearly killed a 5-year-old boy.

Aranda approached the youngster at random, picked him up and hurled him over a third-floor railing before fleeing the scene, authorities said. He was captured aboard a light rail train.

{snip}

Both parents cited their religious faith in helping them through the horrific assault.

{snip}

The family gave on update on May 24, saying Landen has recently been fighting “non-life threatening complications from his injuries which have required additional procedures to correct.”

“He is recovering, and his spirit is strong — but there is still a long road ahead,” according to the family statement.

{snip}

With good behavior and time already served in jail, Aranda is eligible for parole in 12 years.