Mall Of America Attacker Sentenced

The man charged with throwing a child over the balcony at the Mall of America has pleaded guilty and received his sentence.

The Twin Cities Star Tribune reports Emmenuel Aranda entered a guilty plea Tuesday morning at Hennepin County Court.

Under the terms, he will serve a nineteen-year sentence for the April attack.

The article says boy remains hospitalized but is "alert and conscious" and no longer listed in critical condition.

Surveillance videos reportedly show Mr. Aranda walking in the mall, stopping and looking over the balcony before approaching the boy who was with his mother.

The boy's mother said the suspect approached them, and "without warning" picked up the boy and threw him over the balcony.

The family issued a statement Monday saying the boy continues healing, and asked for prayers.

Mr. Aranda's mother, who attended the hearing, said her son has had a history of mental illness.

[Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune]