The top stories on CBS4.com
Nov 9, 2009 11:14 pm US/Eastern
Three Teens In Brewer Case Charged As Adults
3 Suspects In Case Charged As Adults, 2 Are Freed
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
-
-
Matthew Bent
Broward Sheriff's Office
-
-
Denver Jarvis
Broward Sheriff's Office/CBS
Three of the five teenagers accused of setting 15-year-old Michael Brewer on fire last month will be charged as adults and were moved from the juvenile detention center to BSO's Main Jail in Ft. Lauderdale Monday night.
The State Attorney's office announced Monday that Denver Jarvis and Matthew Bent, both 15, and Jesus Mendez, 16, were each charged with the first-degree felony count of attempted murder in the second degree.
Maria Schneider, assistant state attorney-in-charge of the juvenile unit, said charges are not being filed against the other two boys who were released.
CBS4.com is not naming them because of they are minors.
"This is a very active, ongoing investigation," Schneider said. "As additional information becomes available, then we have the option to revisit our filing decision."
The19-year-old sister of one of the boys who was released told CBS4 Reporter Gwen Belton that she's glad he's out of juvenile detention. She said, "I'm happy my brother's home, he needs to be home, he didn't need to be in there."
She and the boy's attorney say he will stay with relatives out of town and will be home-schooled.
"He's home, he's not gonna be in this neighborhood, and he's gonna stay away from all these kids. That's all we care about right now," said his sister.
She also says she and her brother are concerned about Brewer.
"That's my brother's best friend, and I feel terribly sorry. All my prayers go to Michael and his family."
CBS4 Reporter Natalia Zea spoke with Michael Brewer's mother Valerie on the telephone Monday. Brewer had no idea that the three boys were charged as adults, and she was happy about it.
Zea also broke the news to her that two of the teens were freed. She seemed stunned, but had no official comment.
Jarvis, Bent and Menendez will likely be arraigned next week.
Brewer suffered severe injuries last month when the teens allegedly surrounded him, doused him in rubbing alcohol and set him on fire. Police have said they were retaliating in a dispute that began over a video game.
CBS4.COM's Daniel Lastra & Jasmine Kripalani contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Burned Teen's Family Staying Positive
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
