Overview

• Judge Denise de Bellefeuille denied prosecutors’ bid to move the case to adult court, keeping the proceedings in San Francisco’s juvenile system.
• Prosecutors argued the attack was planned and cited prior alleged firearm incidents in San Joaquin County, including an Aug. 16, 2024 school brandishing and a March 2024 episode involving guns and narcotics.
• Defense witnesses described an abusive childhood and highlighted progress in custody, saying the teen graduated high school, enrolled in community college, and engaged in structured programs.
• Investigators said the teen followed Pearsall to his car, a struggle ensued, Pearsall was shot in the chest, and two additional shots struck the suspect’s arm and a nearby car.
• The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting and is now 18, with a court hearing set next Wednesday to review the charges.