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The 5-year-old child, who waspushed or thrown off the balconyof a Mall of America in Minnesota, continues to fight for his life.
“The family is looking forward to continued privacy during this difficult time and we are definitely welcoming all thoughts and prayers at this point,” a spokesperson for the child’s family tells PEOPLE.
On Sunday, the family friend shared the latest update on how Landen is recovering.
“He had a peaceful sleep and is still continuing to fight his courageous battle, he’s a strong survivor!” the family friend wrote.
Landen is in “stable condition, contrary to the rumors and attention seekers out there stating that he has passed,” according to an update shared on the GoFundMe page Saturday.
The child and suspect did not know each other and investigators are “actively trying to figure out why this occurred,” Bloomington Police Chief Jeff Potts told reporters, according to thePioneer Press.
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“He is the sweetest kindest 5-year-old you will ever meet. His soul is soft and gentle and instantly brings a smile to everybody he meets,” the family friend described Landen on the GoFundMe page.
“He is full of energy and life and enjoys soccer, playing with friends and family and playing hockey with his brother and sister. He was enjoying a day at the Mall of America with his mom and friend on Friday morning when a stranger maliciously grabbed him and threw him over the 3rd floor balcony for no apparent reason,” the family friend continued.
“The family doesn’t know him and are completely clueless as to why this monster would target their family with this heinous act of violence,” the friend said, adding, “Landen has a very long road to recovery ahead of him. He suffered life threatening injuries, many people who fall from that distance aren’t as lucky to make it. He has many surgeries ahead in his life to try to get back to a normal life for a young, vibrant boy.”
Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda has been charged withcritically injuring the 5-year-old boyat the Mall of America. The suspect has been charged with attempted homicide.
It was not immediately clear if Aranda retained a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
source: people.com
