KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City teen faces charges for allegedly attempting to steal a vehicle and then shooting and critically injuring one person last year.
Nathaniel L. Pearson faces 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, and Attempted Stealing a Motor Vehicle, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. He could face up to 30 years, or life in prison.
According to court records, Raytown police responded to a residence on May 10, 2025, and located the victim screaming and bleeding heavily from the mouth, nose, and eyes. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment but sustained catastrophic facial injuries resulting in the loss of both eyes.
Surveillance footage captured a male, later identified as Pearson dressed in dark clothing opening the hood of a Dodge Charger at the residence, and walking to the driver’s side door.
The victim observed the suspicious activity and verbally confronted the defendant. The defendant fled from the vehicle and was accompanied by a second suspect. Both suspects brandished firearms and fired multiple rounds at the victim, who fell to the ground. A third suspect also fired multiple rounds at the victim. All three suspects continued firing multiple rounds at the victim before fleeing the area.
Detectives positively connected Pearson to the scene through DNA samples from the Dodge Charger’s steering wheel, door handles, and windows.
Pearson was a juvenile at the time of the crime. A Family Court judge certified him to stand trial as an adult on July 20, 2026.
Detectives continue to investigate to identify the other suspects involved.
A Jackson County judge set Pearson's bond to $100,000 cash only.