The 17-year-old suspect in the shooting of San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall appeared in court for the first time Wednesday afternoon, and his defense counsel expressed regret for the act. The anonymous suspect appeared for a hearing at the city’s Juvenile Justice Center, where the judge will decide whether to charge him as an adult. During his arraignment, the boy stared straight ahead and did not turn to recognize his parents, who were present and sat directly behind him. His mother requested a Spanish interpreter to attend the proceedings.
Remarks by the defense attorney:
Following the hearing, Deputy Public Defender Bob Dunlap informed reporters outside of court that his high school senior client had no prior criminal record and expressed regret for the event.
“He’s truly sorry that this happened, as is his family,” Dunlap said. “And I can say that on their behalf as well as my own, that our thoughts go out to the Pearsall family and Mr. Pearsall himself.” Dunlap did not immediately respond to the charges against his client. “Well, you know, it’s too soon to tell for me because I don’t have all the evidence yet,” Dunlap told reporters.
The Tracy man, who lives in San Joaquin County, some 60 miles east of San Francisco, is charged with attempted murder with an enhanced allegation of firearm discharge, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and attempted second-degree robbery. Other counts include carrying a loaded gun, concealing a weapon, being a minor with a pistol, and causing damage to personal property. Pearsall is recovering after being shot in the chest on Saturday in San Francisco’s Union Square. According to investigators, the 49ers’ first-round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft was shot while struggling with a shooter who attempted to rob him. Cellphone footage captured first responders cautiously walking Pearsall to an ambulance.
Possible adult charges for the teen suspect:
On Tuesday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated that officers were looking into components of the teenager’s past that could influence the outcome of the accusation, resulting in the teen’s case being transferred to adult court.
Following Wednesday’s hearing, Dunlap stated that he did not believe shifting the matter to adult court was appropriate. “Well, I hope they don’t do that. My client should be treated as a juvenile. “He is a juvenile,” Dunlap explained. “Transfers are pretty unusual. This is a severe situation, a shooting. In normal circumstances, this would not necessitate a transfer. I hope it does not happen in this case.
“The big question is whether or not this person, by the expiration of the juvenile court, can be rehabilitated,” the senator said. Yes, it is a serious act, but since this is a juvenile, how can we help this person? What resources does the juvenile court have at its disposal? She said.
A probation officer requested that the kid be sent to San Joaquin County, where he has an unrelated outstanding matter that has not been publicized. However, Judge Roger Chan stated that the defendant would remain in detention in San Francisco. His next court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
Pearsall is back with the team:
Pearsall returned to the team’s Santa Clara facility on Tuesday, less than 72 hours after the incident. General manager John Lynch told reporters that Pearsall’s recovery was “nothing short of miraculous” and that he is expected to play this season. Pearsall will miss at least the first four regular-season games after being placed on the non-football injury reserve list.
“He’ll need that time physically. Lynch stated, “He’s going to need that time emotionally and mentally, so we made that decision.”When we drafted Ricky, we did it for the long term, and Ricky will be a fantastic player here.” Lynch informed reporters that Pearsall’s fast return to the team was “by the grace of God.”
