Skip to main content

Ricky Pearsall has physically moved on from the robbery and shooting that could have claimed his life last year. He finished his rookie NFL season strong and hopes to become more involved in a stripped-down offense this year. While he battles it for the San Francisco 49ers, the teenager believed to be responsible for the shooting just learned they will not be tried as an adult. The teen faces attempted murder charges in connection with the brazen August 2024 opportunistic robbery, but a juvenile court will handle everything.

Ricky Pearsall was shot during a robbery in 2024

In August 2024, Ricky Pearsall was walking alone down a San Francisco street when a teenager attempted to rob him. A scuffle broke out. The teen allegedly discharged a handgun, injuring both Pearsall and himself. Pearsall was rushed to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest and was listed in serious condition. The shooter, just 17, was found a block away with a gunshot wound of his own. He was treated for his injury and then arrested.

It has been more than a year since that day. Pearsall is back with the San Francisco 49ers. This year, as the NFL season marches into its fifth week, Pearsall is dealing with much more mundane issues. Knee soreness has plagued him off and on all season. The gunshot wound has healed, but the emotional toll remains.

Ricky Pearsall’s shooter will not be tried as an adult

The teenager who is believed to have shot Ricky Pearsall has been in juvenile detention since the fateful run-in last year. He hasn’t yet been tried for the crime. Prosecutors were attempting to transfer the case from juvenile court to traditional adult court, now that the teen has turned 18. However, a judge recently decided against the move.

According to ESPN, a San Francisco judge denied the district attorney’s request to try Pearsall’s accused shooter as an adult. The prosecution noted the serious nature of the crime as a reason to try him as an adult. The judge didn’t agree that the move was necessary.

Related

Josh Allen is Selling His Dana Point Home Months After Tying the Knot

Instead, he sided with the teen’s lawyer. His legal counsel alleged that the youngster had a difficult upbringing, complete with time in the foster care system. They claim he’s thriving in the juvenile system and should be tried as a minor, despite having turned 18 since the incident. Since the arrest, the teen, who has never been named, has earned a high school diploma. He is also pursuing a college degree, and even started a book club while detained.

While it doesn’t appear that Pearsall has met the teen who allegedly shot him, he has previously expressed an interest in sitting down with the young man, if he would be willing. That likely wouldn’t even be on the table until after the court case concludes.

Best in News