17-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder in Shooting of 49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall
The San Francisco District Attorney announced on Tuesday that a 17-year-old has been charged with attempted murder following the shooting of Ricky Pearsall, a rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. The incident occurred over the weekend during an alleged robbery attempt in San Francisco’s Union Square, a popular and busy area of the city. The charges against the minor, filed in juvenile court, also include assault with a semi-automatic firearm and attempted second-degree robbery.
The confrontation unfolded when the teenager reportedly tried to rob Pearsall at gunpoint, leading to a struggle. During the physical altercation, the firearm discharged, wounding both the suspect and Pearsall, who was shot in the chest. According to police, the 49ers player was conscious at the scene and received immediate medical attention before being taken to the hospital. He was discharged the next day and is now recovering, though he will miss the first four games of the NFL season due to his injuries.
The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed because he is a minor, is currently facing serious legal repercussions. In juvenile court, a judge has the discretion to determine if a case should be transferred to adult court based on the severity of the charges, the defendant’s age, and their history. If transferred, the minor could face much harsher penalties, including longer incarceration periods. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has indicated that her office is considering a request for a fitness hearing to determine whether the suspect should be tried as an adult. Such a hearing would evaluate whether the juvenile justice system is adequate for the minor’s rehabilitation or whether the nature of the crime warrants an adult trial.
As reported by NBC, the charges against the teen are bolstered by allegations of "personal and intentional discharge of a firearm," which can lead to enhanced sentencing. In California, using a firearm during the commission of a crime can result in additional penalties, often significantly increasing the prison time if convicted. Under the state's "Use a Gun and You’re Done" law, using a firearm in a violent felony could add 10 to 25 years to a sentence. If the teenager is tried as an adult, these sentencing enhancements could apply, leading to much more severe consequences.
Police Chief Bill Scott has confirmed that the firearm used in the incident has been recovered, and there is currently no evidence suggesting that Pearsall was targeted because he is a well-known public figure.
Pearsall, 23, was a first-round pick for the 49ers in the 2024 NFL Draft and is considered a promising young talent. The San Francisco 49ers organization, along with Pearsall’s family and supporters, have publicly expressed deep concern for his well-being and are hoping for a swift recovery.
