Four teenagers, facing second-degree murder charges, are set to be prosecuted as adults following the mob-style beating of a 17-year-old Las Vegas boy earlier this month, as revealed by court records.
Records filed on Monday in Las Vegas Justice Court also indicate that the teens are charged with conspiracy to commit battery resulting in substantial bodily harm.
The suspects, part of a group of eight teenagers aged 13 to 17, were booked last week on suspicion of murdering Jonathan Lewis Jr. near Rancho High School on November 1. Sadly, Lewis, who was beaten unconscious, passed away on November 7.
In accordance with NBC News policy, the names of minors involved in crimes are generally not disclosed.
Expressing concern about the murder charges against such young individuals, attorney Robert Draskovich, representing a 17-year-old facing second-degree murder, stated on Tuesday, “This investigation is unfolding. We have yet to review all the evidence. … We will review the videos and conduct our own investigation.”
Another teen, aged 16, charged as an adult, had an attorney who declined extensive comment over text. The lawyer representing a third suspect was unavailable for comment on Tuesday night, and the fourth teen did not have an attorney listed in court records.
Last week, Las Vegas police sought public assistance in identifying two additional teens involved in the incident. On Tuesday, they announced the arrest of a ninth minor, booked on open murder in Clark County Juvenile Hall. Authorities are still seeking help in identifying a person of interest.
At least some of the altercation was captured and shared on social media. An NBC News-reviewed video shows an individual striking someone, followed by a group of teens swarming the person.
According to police, the fight stemmed from a dispute over stolen headphones and possibly a marijuana vape pen.
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