The family of a 5-year-old boy who was thrown from a Mall of America balcony thankful for all the public support and donations
5-year-old Landen Hoffmann, who was thrown off a 3rd story balcony (40 feet) at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota by Emmanuel Aranda, 24, suffered head trauma, multiple broken bones, is slowly making 'small steps towards the healing process' according to his family. Landen had surgery to remove his spleen and will require more procedures in the future.
Emmanuel Aranda, admitted that he was looking for someone to kill after he was frustrated from getting rejected by women, was later arrested and charged with attempted premeditated first-degree murder. His bail has been set at $2 million.
Donations made on a GoFundMe page set up for Hoffmann's medical bills reached $801K of the original $500,000 goal. It has been raised to $1 million. The page stated that he is 'the sweetest, kindest five-year-old you will ever meet'. The page also adds, 'His soul is soft and gentle and instantly brings a smile to everybody he meets,' 'He is full of energy and life and enjoys soccer, playing with friends and family and playing hockey with his brother and sister.'
If you're interested in sending a get well card to Landen, the family set up a mailing address:
Prayers for Landen
PO Box 43516
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-4200
Photo: A sign at the Mall of America is pictured 02 February 2006 in Bloomington, Minnesota. The largest in the US with more than 40 million visitors a years, the Mall of America has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. TIMO GANS/AFP/Getty Images