10-year-old boy gunned down at nail salon where his father was also shot during convicted killer's crime rampage
Share this @internewscast.com

A Florida inmate, already serving time for murder, has confessed to shooting a young boy to death.

Convicted killer pleads guilty to boy

Background: News footage of Anthawn Ragan in court on Jan. 29 (WPLG). Inset: Aaron Vu (Dignity Memorial).

Anthawn Ragan, aged 31, stood before the court on Thursday and admitted guilt to 14 charges related to a November 2013 armed robbery that resulted in the tragic death of 10-year-old Aaron Vu. Already imprisoned for participating in a crime spree over ten years ago, which included another murder, Ragan also shot Aaron’s father during the same incident and confessed to attempted murder.

Authorities revealed that Ragan, along with an accomplice, was seen on surveillance footage storming a nail salon on November 22, 2013. The duo demanded cash from the salon’s employees and patrons. Ragan then opened fire, injuring Aaron and his father, Hai Vu, before fleeing the scene with his partner.

Both Vu and his son were rushed to the hospital, where tragically, Aaron succumbed to his injuries.

According to reports from local NBC affiliate WTVJ, Ragan was supposed to face trial on Thursday but opted for a plea deal instead. He also relinquished his right to a jury decision for the penalty phase, entrusting that choice to the judge. In a previous trial for the murder of 21-year-old Luis Perez, a jury chose a life sentence over the death penalty.

Local NBC affiliate WTVJ reported that Ragan was expected to go to trial on Thursday and instead offered a plea. He also waived a jury for the penalty phase of his trial, leaving the decision to the judge. When he went on trial for the murder of 21-year-old Luis Perez, a jury decided on a life sentence, sparing him the death penalty.

The death penalty is still on the table for the first-degree murder conviction stemming from Aaron’s death. Ragan may also receive another life sentence without the possibility of parole, the same sentence he received in the case for Perez’s murder.

Ragan is scheduled to be back in court for sentencing on Feb. 4.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Homeless Man Arrested for Assault with Stolen Guitar in Unexpected Downtown Incident

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended Charles Michael Treadway, 65, yesterday…

Authorities Issue Warnings Against Four ‘Finfluencers’ on TikTok for Financial Advice

Australia’s financial regulatory body is intensifying its scrutiny of social media “finfluencers”…

Victorian Father Allegedly Threatens Airport Explosion, Causes Uproar in Courtroom

A Victorian father accused of threatening to blow up Perth Airport could…

Double Murder Suspect Shouts for Mother During Court Appearance

Courtroom footage of Reginald Louis Jackson yelling at the judge during his…

Queensland Carjacking Case: Court Upholds Conviction of Teen in Tragic Grandmother’s Death

A teenager who killed a Queensland grandmother and triggered landmark youth justice…

Newberry Man Faces Additional Charge After Detective Links March-Seized Pistol to Stolen Gun Report

By Staff NEWBERRY, Fla. – A 23-year-old man, Kobe Deon Delima, faces…

Video Allegedly Captures Man’s Disturbing Reaction to Teen’s Tragic Death

Inset left: Enrique Aguilar (Harris County Jail). Inset right: Mariah Alatorre (Obituary).…

Chef Accused of Fatally Assaulting Wife in Hotel Room with Multiple Objects, Authorities Report

Inset: Jeffrey C. MacDonald (WWLP). Background: The UMass Amherst Hotel, where MacDonald…

Child Discovered on Roadway as Babysitter’s Troubling History Surfaces, Says District Attorney

Inset: Arissa Ward (Dauphin County Prison). Background: The Pennsylvania street where a…

Man Released on Bail Following Violent Incident that Hospitalized Police Officer

A 21-year-old man convicted of a brutal assault on a police officer…

Supreme Court Justices Thomas and Alito Clash in Uncommon Opinion Exchange

U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Jr., Clarence Thomas and Brett…

Dispute Over Onion Rings at Steak ‘n’ Shake Escalates to Gunfire Incident

Background: News footage of the Steak ‘n’ Shake restaurant in Spanish Lake,…