A high school senior facing charges of attempted murder for shooting San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall has expressed deep remorse for his actions, according to his attorney. The 17-year-old, who also faces charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and attempted robbery, appeared in juvenile court on Wednesday.
The teenager’s public defender, Bob Dunlap, stated that his client is genuinely sorry for the shooting incident that occurred in San Francisco’s Union Square. Pearsall, a first-round draft pick, sustained a gunshot wound to the chest during a failed robbery attempt and is expected to miss the first four games of the season.
Dunlap conveyed the young suspect’s sincere regret over the incident, mentioning that both the teenager and his family are deeply apologetic. He extended thoughts and condolences to the Pearsall family on behalf of his client and their family.
Despite a recommendation from the boy’s probation officer to transfer him to his home county of San Joaquin, Superior Court Judge Roger Chan ruled to keep the 17-year-old in custody in San Francisco due to another pending matter in his home county.
Pearsall, 23, was shot during a robbery attempt to steal his Rolex watch. The rookie receiver managed to fend off the robbery, resulting in both him and the suspect getting shot during the struggle.
San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin shared that Pearsall showed immense courage in resisting the robbery attempt, as relayed by the police officers present at the scene.
Pearsall and the suspect were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment, with the rookie listed in serious but stable condition. The incident occurred after Pearsall had been signing autographs and shopping.
Pearsall’s mother, Erin, provided an update on his condition through a Facebook post, mentioning that the bullet missed his vital organs, and he is fortunate to be alive. He is expected to return for the team’s fifth game against the Cardinals on Oct. 6.
Selected as the 49ers’ first-round pick in the June draft, Pearsall had a collegiate career spanning three years at Arizona State and two at Florida.
With Post wires
