Judge decides Ricky Pearsall’s case will be tried in the juvenile system
A judge ruled that the teenager accused of shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall during a robbery attempt last year will be tried as a minor.
The suspect, who was 17 years old and a high school senior at the time of the shooting in August 2024, is now 18 years old. If found guilty of attempted murder, assault, and attempted robbery, he would have faced much harsher penalties in the adult criminal justice system instead of the juvenile system.
Pearsall was alone and heading to his car after shopping at luxury stores in Union Square when the suspect noticed that the NFL player was wearing a Rolex watch and other expensive jewelry, and attempted to rob him at gunpoint, according to San Francisco police.
A struggle ensued, and shots from the suspect’s weapon struck both Pearsall and the teenager, who was shot in the arm, authorities reported. The teenager was arrested a block away from where he allegedly confronted Pearsall.
The prosecution sought to move the case to an adult court, noting that Pearsall could have died.
The suspect’s lawyer indicated that the teenager had experienced abuse and trauma both at home and in the foster care system.
Bob Dunlap, San Francisco’s deputy public defender, said his client has been a model prisoner while held at the juvenile detention center. He formed a book club, graduated from high school, and enrolled in community college, Dunlap added.
The Friday’s failure occurred after a week-long hearing to determine how the teenager would be tried.
