A man responsible for a violent murder and robbery spree in 2013, including the killing of a 10-year-old boy, pleaded guilty on Thursday to multiple charges before a Miami-Dade court, though he still faces the death penalty for the child’s murder.
Anthawn Ragan Jr. (31) entered the guilty plea before Miami-Dade Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez. Courtroom observers said Ragan appeared subdued as he waived several trial rights.
Child’s murder remains central case
Ragan is accused of fatally shooting Aaron Vu (10) during a robbery at his parents’ Hong Kong Nails salon in northwest Miami-Dade on November 22, 2013. Prosecutors allege that Ragan and an unidentified accomplice stormed the salon, robbed customers and employees, and as they were leaving, Ragan turned back and fired, killing the child and seriously injuring his father.
The murder of Aaron Vu deeply shocked the community. The boy was known for playing the trombone in his school orchestra and participating in school plays.
Unusual legal move
In Thursday’s hearing, Ragan waived his right to have a jury decide whether he should receive the death penalty, opting instead for a judge to make that determination — a rare decision in capital cases.
His first-degree murder trial in Aaron’s death, earlier scheduled for late January, is now expected to begin on February 9.
Earlier killing and life sentence
Ragan’s crime spree began with the November 1, 2013, killing of Luis Miguel Perez at a motel and ended with Aaron Vu’s death weeks later. In May last year, a Miami jury sentenced Ragan to life imprisonment, rather than death, for Perez’s murder.
Prosecutors described Ragan’s actions as “brazen” and motivated by thrill, while defence lawyers cited a troubled upbringing marked by instability and family incarceration.
Ragan now awaits judicial determination on whether he will face execution for the child’s murder.