'Our Miracle Child': Boy Thrown From MOA Balcony 'Showing Real Signs Of Recovery'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 5-year-old boy who was thrown from a third-floor balcony at Mall of America is showing signs of recovery but remains in intensive care, according to an update from the family.
"We have good news to share with you on this Good Friday. Our miracle child is showing real signs of recovery. New test results have been positive, though he remains in intensive care with a long road ahead," attorney Stephen Tillitt said Friday on behalf of the boy's family.
The boy fell nearly 40 feet last week after being thrown from the Mall of America Balcony.
Emmanuel Aranda, who faces one felony count of attempted premeditated first-degree murder in connection to the incident, made his initial court appearance Tuesday.
RELATED: 'Shocked The Community': Emmanuel Aranda Charged With Throwing Boy Over MOA Balcony
"This crime has shocked the community," Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said. "That a child, with his mother, at a safe public area like a mall, could be violently attacked for no reason is chilling for everyone."
Tillitt said the family continues requesting privacy as they focus on their son and his recovery, but updates will be shared with the community.
"Just know that we absolutely feel your overwhelming love, prayers and support, for they seem to be working. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts," Tillitt said on behalf of the family.
Several businesses in Woodbury, where the boy lives, are hoping to raise money for the family's ongoing medical needs.
"It just breaks your heart to think somebody would do something like that and to a little 5-year-old boy," said Jay Deems, with Minnesota Rusco.
Woodbury's Re/Max will now match money being raised by OrangeTheory Fitness, up to $10,000. Minnesota Rusco is looking for a similar match, hoping to spur others to the same challenge.
"It's been amazing to watch, and I can't imagine the long road to recovery this little boy and his family has in front of them so hopefully, this is something that can help them out," Deems said.
A mailing address has also been set up for cards and well wishes to the boy:
Prayers for Landen
PO Box 43516
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-4200
A GoFundMe campaign set up for the family has raised more than $900,000 in six days, fast approaching the $1 million goal.
Aranda returns to court May 14. His bail remains at $2 million.
