SAN FRANCISCO—On Saturday, August 31, 2024, a then-17-year-old teenager attempted to rob and murder San Francisco 49er’s wide receiver player Ricky Pearsall at Union Square.
Pearsall was just finishing his shopping at luxury retail stores at Union Square when the incident happened. Due to his age, the robber has not been named, but once the teenager saw Pearsall’s Rolex watch and a gold chain, the teenaged suspect attempted to rob Pearsall of his belongings at gunpoint.
Thus, a power struggle ensued, ending up with a gunshot wound to Pearsall to the chest, exiting through his back and missing his vital organs; the teenaged suspect was also in the arm. He was apprehended one block from where the attempted robbery took place.
The teenager’s lawyer said he had suffered abuse at home and during his time in the foster care system. The district attorney’s office wished to have him tried in adult court because Pearsall could have died.
As of Friday, September 19, 2025, the now-18-year-old teenager has been charged with shooting Pearsall after a week-long hearing, determining how he would be tried, whether in adult or juvenile court. It has been noted by his lawyer that he has been an exemplary juvenile detention inmate. He has formed a book club, graduated from high school and enrolled in community college.
