Miles Young, 15, of Springfield, Mo., was fatally shot on March 12 in what prosecutors say was a planned ambush after he was lured to meet a girl. Authorities allege 18-year-olds Yefry Archaga and Praize King face first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges. A witness heard gunshots and Young cry out, "I just don't wanna die," before he was pronounced dead. Archaga was arrested March 31 and is being held without bond; King is also detained without bond.
Missouri Teen Lured to Meet a Girl, Ambushed and Fatally Shot, Prosecutors Say
Credit: GoFundMe; Greene County Jail
Miles Young, 15, of Springfield, Missouri, was shot and killed on the evening of March 12 in what prosecutors describe as a premeditated ambush after he believed he was meeting a girl, according to a probable cause statement from the Green County Sheriff’s Office obtained by PEOPLE.
Authorities say the attack was planned in advance. Court records indicate a female identified in charging papers as "Juvenile Suspect 1" picked up Young in a black Mercedes after telling him they would have sexual intercourse. Prosecutors allege that before picking him up, she and others, including 18-year-old Yefry Archaga, discussed "setting up" Young.
Two of Young’s friends reportedly warned him not to go with the girl because they suspected a trap. The witnesses told Young the girl had previously expressed dislike for him and blamed him for the death of a victim in a 2025 homicide case; court documents obtained by the Springfield Daily Citizen say Young was expected to testify in that investigation.
While Young and the girl were driving, investigators say another vehicle driven by Archaga pulled into the road and blocked the Mercedes, forcing it to stop. Young exited the car and attempted to flee. Prosecutors allege Archaga—wearing a black ski mask and carrying a "Glock-style" pistol—and another teen chased him as one of them shouted, "Don't run now!"
A witness who was on the phone with Young as he fled reportedly heard gunfire, then heard Young fall and cry out, "I just don't wanna die."
Young sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. After an approximately two-week search, Archaga was arrested in Webb City on March 31 and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Another 18-year-old, Praize King, was arrested on March 18 and faces the same charges.
Online jail records show both Archaga and King are being held without bond; Archaga is also listed on a federal immigration detainer. Their attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment from PEOPLE.
A GoFundMe set up to help cover funeral costs describes Young as "having a beautiful heart, full of life, and always showing care for others." Family and friends remember him as compassionate and kind.
What’s Next
Prosecutors have charged Archaga and King with first-degree murder and armed criminal action; the case remains under investigation and is pending in court. More details are expected to emerge as prosecutors and defense counsel prepare for trial.
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