Man who threw a boy off a mall balcony given 19-year sentence

[TexasTowelie]

The man who walked into the Mall of America in Minnesota “looking for someone to kill” and then threw a 5-year-old boy off a third-floor balcony was sentenced on Monday to nearly 20 years in prison.

Emmanuel Aranda, 24, of Minneapolis pleaded guilty last month to attempted first-degree murder in the April attack. The child, identified only as Landen, survived the 40-foot fall, but suffered massive head trauma and fractured bones in his arms and legs. His family has said he’s still recovering.

Landen’s parents didn’t attend the hearing, but said in statements addressed to Aranda and read aloud in court that they forgive him and are praying for him.

“You chose to think about yourself that day, what you were feeling and wanted to do to someone else,” Landen’s mother wrote. “I’m sad you chose anger and hatred. Something really bad must have happened to you for you to want to do this to a sweet, innocent little boy. I’m sorry for whatever you’ve gone through. I hope God can save you and show you what His love is all about someday.”

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/zz/news/20190603/man-who-threw-boy-off-mall-balcony-given-19-year-sentence

[Shell_Seas]

1. They forgive him?

This is the type of shit I don't understand. I get it has to do with their religion, but he tried to murder their child. And it's only been less than 3 months since that happened.

[hlthe2b]

2. When it is sincere & heart-felt & not delivered as some expectation or pressured act, psychologists

maintain that the act is very effective in "moving on", acceptance, and the ability to not let the tragedy continue to control your life. I doubt most who claim forgiveness so quickly afterward have even processed the entire episode. That said, maybe this family has determined to focus totally on their child and believe the "forgiveness" allows them to do so without distractions, including the press. The latter might be the best reason to make the statement.