A 15-year-old Missouri boy made a heartbreaking plea for his life moments before being shot dead in what prosecutors describe as a premeditated ambush orchestrated by an 18-year-old illegal migrant. Miles Young was lured to his death on March 12 in Greene County after being tricked into believing he was meeting a girl, according to court documents.
Witnesses told investigators they heard Young's final words: 'I just don't want to die,' followed by gunshots. The teenager was shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at Cox South Hospital. Prosecutors allege that Yefry Archaga, 18, planned the scheme, using vehicles to corner Young before chasing him on foot while wearing a black ski mask and armed with a handgun.
Archaga was arrested on March 31 after a two-week manhunt and is charged with first-degree murder. He is being held on an immigration detainer by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A second suspect, Praize King, 18, also faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges for his alleged role in the ambush.
According to court documents, the suspects blamed Young for a 2025 homicide, in which the 15-year-old was a witness set to testify at trial. After the shooting, Archaga reportedly made a phone call and was 'braggadocios' about killing Young. At least one other suspect, believed to be a juvenile, has yet to be identified.
Young's family described him as a 'compassionate, loving, and kind 15-year-old who brought light to everyone around him.' They noted that he had recently made a heartfelt decision at church, giving his heart to Jesus during an altar call. Archaga is scheduled to appear in court on April 13.
