Yesterday, Emmanuel Aranda, the man responsible for throwing a 5-year-old boy of the balcony at Mall of America, was sentenced to 19 years in prison.
The young boy, Landen, survived the 39-foot fall but suffered significant head trauma and broken bones.
Both Landen's mom and dad gave statements. Landen's mom said, “I don’t get to judge you or hate you. Instead I am full of God’s love and I have overwhelming joy and peace in my body as I sit and watch my boy heal in miraculous ways right in front of my eyes.”
There is a GoFundME where you can find updates on Landen. On the page this is the description for the fundraiser:
This is Landen, he is the sweetest kindest 5 year old you will ever meet. His soul is soft and gentle and instantly brings a smile to everybody he meets. He is full of energy and life and enjoys soccer, playing with friends and family and playing hockey with his brother and sister. He was enjoying a day at the Mall of America with his mom and friend on Friday morning when a stranger maliciously grabbed him and threw him over the 3rd floor balcony for no apparent reason. 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.
My wife and His mother have been best friends since they were 3 years old. They have grown up together, started their families together and truly have a lifelong friendship for the ages. Their family is always so generous to others, they give without expecting anything in return and are the type of family you always hope to live next door.
Landen has a very long road to recovery ahead of him. He suffered life threatening injuries, many people who fall from that distance aren’t as lucky to make it. He has many surgeries ahead in his life to try to get back to a normal life for a young, vibrant boy. We started this GoFundMe for their family to help cover the immense medical costs and rehabilitation costs for the long road ahead. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to hear about their story.
A mailing address has been set up to send cards and well wishes to Landen:
Prayers for Landen
PO Box 43516
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-4200
Thoughts and prayers for Landen and his family as he continues his long journey for recovery.