Mall Of America Attacker Gets Jail; Victim's Mom, Dad Speak Out

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — The man who threw a 5-year-old boy off of the third floor at the Mall of America was sentenced to 19 years Monday. Emmanuel Aranda, 24, of Minneapolis was convicted of attempted premeditated first-degree murder after the attack.

Aranda previously admitted in court that he knew the 40 foot fall would likely kill the boy and said he intended to kill him.

The boy, whose family lives in Woodbury, survived the fall despite receiving life-threatening injuries as a result. However, he continues to recovery and has undergone multiple surgeries. He has also suffered complications from his injuries.

"You intended evil that day but God works for all good," Landen's father said in a statement read in court Monday. "You chose evil over good and chose to take your hate and hurt out on our precious boy."

The boy's father added that, "I forgive you, because it is what God calls me to do."

"God will judge you someday and I have peace with that," the boy's mother stated. "God, it is in your hands."

More than 12 years of Aranda's sentence must be spent in jail, Minnesota Pubic Radio reported.

A GoFundMe page has been established for the boy here. Landon "is the sweetest kindest 5 year old you will ever meet," the page reads. "His soul is soft and gentle and instantly brings a smile to everybody he meets."

More than $1 million has been raised for the boy's family so far.

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