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Teenage suspect ‘deeply regrets’ after being charged in juvenile court [Video]

The 17-year-old boy accused of shooting San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall during an attempted robbery was arraigned in juvenile court on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

The teenager, whose identity cannot be determined under California law because he is a minor, is charged with attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm and attempted second-degree robbery. The attempted murder charge includes allegations of personal discharge of a firearm and personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.

During the hearing, he reportedly wore a green sweatshirt and green pants, looked straight ahead at the judge and did not turn to greet his parents, who were standing behind him in the room.

The teen's attorney, Assistant Public Defender Bob Dunlap, delivered an apology to reporters after the hearing. From the AP:

“He sincerely regrets that this happened, as does his family, and I can say on their behalf as well as my own, our thoughts are with the Pearsall family and with Mr. Pearsall himself. So there is real, sincere regret in that regard,” Dunlap said. “He's a young boy.”

The incident occurred on Saturday when the suspect allegedly tried to steal a Rolex watch from Pearsall. Pearsall, 23, resisted, and a struggle ensued, during which he received a bullet to the chest while the suspect was shot in the arm.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: Ricky Pearsall #14 of the San Francisco 49ers practices during minicamp on June 5, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: Ricky Pearsall #14 of the San Francisco 49ers practices during minicamp on June 5, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Ricky Pearsall and the juvenile suspect both suffered gunshot wounds during an alleged robbery attempt. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) (Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images)

Fortunately, the bullet reportedly missed any vital organs, but the wound bled profusely. Pearsall was released from the hospital the day after the incident and the Niners are confident he will play this season.

As for the suspect, his fate depends heavily on whether his trial takes place in juvenile court. As San Francisco attorney Brooke Jenkins explained on Tuesday, minors convicted of crimes in juvenile court can only be incarcerated until they reach the age of 25. After that, they are released without restrictions.

In order for the suspect to be tried as an adult, Jenkins' office would have to request a transfer hearing, she explained:

“The only mechanism for doing so is to request a transfer hearing, which requires a judge to rule on the suitability of the minor for transfer to adult court, which essentially means that the juvenile justice system would not be able to rehabilitate that minor. So my office will be reviewing the case more closely in the future to determine whether or not we request that suitability hearing.”

The teen lives in Tracy, California, about 60 miles east of San Francisco. A probation officer reportedly recommended keeping the teen in custody and sending him to his home in San Joaquin County, but the judge ruled he should remain in San Francisco custody.

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