BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The family of a 5-year-old boy thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America last week says he is making "small steps" as he recovers from his devastating injuries.
Landen Hoffman was shopping with his mother and friends around 10:15 a.m. April 12 when Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda, 24, of Minneapolis, is accused of picking the boy up and hurling him over a railing to the first floor nearly 40 feet below. Aranda tried to run, but police, with help from witnesses, found him on a light rail train at the mall and took him into custody.
"The family doesn't know him and are completely clueless as to why this monster would target their family with this heinous act of violence," a GoFundMe page set up to help with Landen's medical bills states. As of Friday morning, the page had raised more than $870,000 of its $1 million goal.
Landen, who suffered broken arms and legs and significant head trauma, was initially in critical condition, according to the criminal complaint against Aranda. His condition has since stabilized, but he has a long road to recovery, the GoFundMe page reads.
"(His) condition is again similar to previous days. Another peaceful night of sleep -- small steps towards the healing process. Each new day is a good day," the page read Thursday.
“Landen's recovery is expected to be ongoing for a long time. While it’s hard to estimate costs, this will change everything for their family and require much of their time and focus.”
Aranda is charged with attempted premeditated first-degree murder, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Aranda is being held in the Hennepin County Jail in lieu of $2 million bond.
"This crime has shocked the community," Freeman said in a news release. "That a child, with his mother at a safe public area like a mall, could be violently attacked for no reason is chilling for everyone. Our victim advocates are working with the family during this very difficult time for them. We charged Mr. Aranda with the most severe crime that the evidence allowed."
Bloomington police Chief Jeff Potts said during a news conference Saturday that Aranda was cooperative with detectives. The criminal complaint indicates that Aranda confessed to committing the brazen assault.
Read the criminal complaint against Emmanuel Aranda below.
Emmanuel Aranda Criminal Complaint by National Content Desk on Scribd