Oct 25, 2009 9:02 pm US/Eastern
Parents Of Burned Teen Send Letter Of Thanks
DEERFIELD BEACH (CBS4) ―
The parents of a Deerfield Beach boy who was attacked and set on fire earlier this month have thanked those who have sent prayers and donations in a letter.
Valerie and Michael Brewer Sr. write that right now they need to stay focused on the their 15-year-old son Michael's recovery and not on the five teens reportedly responsible for the attack.
"As far as the boys and their family goes, I do not want to put any energy or thought into that now. We need to stay positive and focus on Michael's recovery," the letter from said.
Click Here to read the letter.
In the letter, pubished Sunday by CBS4 news partners
The Miami Herald they also thanked those who have offered their prayers and support for Michael's recovery.
"The incredible outpouring of love and support you have shown our family has once again helped to restore our faith in humanity," it said.
On Friday the lead prosecutor in the case said one of the teens charged in the attack, a 13-year-old, will not be tried as an adult.
According to the prosecutor, Florida law states a 13-year-old suspect can't be charged as an adult unless he/she faces a capital charge or a life felony charge.
All five of the teens who were involved in the crime were charged with aggravated battery. At least one of the suspects has also been charged with second-degree attempted murder. The five intentionally set Brewer on fire in act of revenge, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
"One of the more horrific crimes I have been associated with since I've been with BSO. It's just a horrible, horrible case," said BSO Sgt. Steve Feeley shortly after the crime happened.
The attack happened as Brewer was waiting for friends in the pool area of the Lime Tree Village apartments in Deerfield Beach. According to BSO, one of the juvenile suspects, the alleged ringleader, was owed money by Brewer for a video game. The ringleader allegedly stole Brewer's father's bike as payment, but was arrested by BSO deputies after being tipped off about the theft by Brewer.
The ringleader and four friends surrounded Brewer, doused him with rubbing alcohol then allegedly used a lighter to set him on fire, according to the BSO.
Brewer was airlifted to Broward General Medical Center and then moved to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The pain of the burns was so intense that he was placed on a medically-induced coma. He has shown some improvement but doctors say he's not out of the woods yet.
CBS4's Neighbors 4 Neighbors will be taking in donations through the Family Fund for Michael Brewer. Go to
cbs4.com/neighbors to make online donations; or call 305-597-4404.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)
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