Attorney: Archaga's Nationality Not Relevant in Fatal Shooting of Miles Young

Defense lawyer says case should not be politicized over immigration status

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:10am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence at the heart of a controversial criminal case.A stark, gritty image captures the physical evidence at the center of a tragic shooting that has sparked a national debate over immigration and criminal justice.Springfield Today

Adam Woody, the defense attorney for Yefry Archaga, is pushing back against the idea that his client's nationality is relevant to the investigation into the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Miles Young. Woody says it is 'disappointing' that some local and state politicians are trying to make this a political issue, and that Archaga's immigration status has 'absolutely nothing to do with the allegations at hand.'

Why it matters

The case has garnered nationwide attention due to Archaga's immigration status, with some politicians using it to call for immigration reform. However, Woody maintains that Archaga's nationality should not be a factor in how the case is viewed, arguing that there are constitutional protections that ensure people are innocent until proven guilty.

The details

Archaga is accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Miles Young. His defense attorney, Adam Woody, says the fact that Archaga was not a U.S. citizen has no relevance to the case. Woody says Archaga was brought to the U.S. when he was 6 or 7 years old and was raised in Missouri, going to school in Southwest City before moving to Springfield about a year ago. Woody says he cannot discuss the specific facts of the case due to it being an ongoing investigation, but he maintains that Archaga's nationality should not be used to 'taint a future jury pool' or equate it to the alleged offense.

  • Archaga is expected back in court in June of this year.

The players

Adam Woody

Yefry Archaga's defense attorney, who is pushing back against the idea that his client's nationality is relevant to the investigation.

Yefry Archaga

The defendant accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Miles Young, who was not a U.S. citizen but was raised in Missouri.

Miles Young

The 15-year-old victim who was fatally shot.

Eric Burlison

A Missouri Congressman (R - MO 7th District) who spoke about immigration reform in a press conference related to the Young case.

Curtis Trent

A Missouri State Senator (R - 20th District) who spoke about immigration reform in a press conference related to the Young case.

Darin Chappell

A Missouri State Representative (R - 137th District) who spoke about immigration reform in a press conference related to the Young case.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that some of our local and state politicians want to somehow make this a political is disappointing to say the least. This has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with one's nationality and the fact that he was not a citizen of the United States has absolutely nothing to do with the allegations at hand.”

— Adam Woody, Yefry Archaga's defense attorney

“Again, we're not here to talk about the specific details of this case that is for our law enforcement and or courts to do. The American people, especially here in southwest Missouri, are sick and tired of these tragedies that could have been prevented, and this is not an isolated case.”

— Eric Burlison, Missouri Congressman (R - MO 7th District)

What’s next

Archaga is expected back in court in June of this year.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of immigration status in criminal cases, with Archaga's defense attorney arguing that his nationality is irrelevant and should not be used to politicize the tragedy or taint a potential jury. The case has drawn attention from local and state politicians, but the focus should remain on the facts and due process.