In Las Vegas, a tragic incident unfolded as a 17-year-old high school student lost his life in an alley near Rancho High School. The victim, Jonathan Lewis Jr., became entangled in a prearranged fight involving 10 of his classmates, aged 13 to 17.
The altercation, stemming from the theft of headphones and a vape pen, was not originally intended to involve Lewis, according to police homicide Lt. Jason Johansson.
The fatal incident, occurring on November 1, was documented on cellphone video and widely circulated on social media. Johansson described the footage as disturbing, depicting the victim preparing for the fight before being swarmed by the group of students who proceeded to assault him.
Eight of the students, all under 18, were apprehended by Las Vegas police and the FBI on suspicion of murder. The remaining two students involved have yet to be identified. Images of these individuals were released to the public in hopes of assistance with their identification.
Following the tragedy, a makeshift memorial with flowers and candles appeared in the alley where the assault took place. Rancho High School principal Darlin Delgado assured parents of available support and resources for the students and staff affected by the incident.
Scott Coffee, a deputy public defender in Las Vegas, noted the rarity of having numerous young co-defendants facing murder charges in a single case.
He emphasized the need to determine individual culpability as the legal proceedings unfold. Four students aged 16 or older were transferred to the adult court system, with hearings scheduled for younger students to determine potential charges as adults.
The incident came to light when a passerby discovered Lewis severely injured and unconscious in the alley, prompting a call to 911. Despite medical efforts, Lewis succumbed to severe head trauma and other injuries a week later. The coroner’s office officially ruled his death as a homicide.
Jonathan Lewis Sr., the victim’s father, highlighted on a fundraising page that his son was defending a friend during the tragic incident. Describing Jonathan Jr. as a kind, loving, and gentle young man, the grieving father sought assistance for funeral and medical expenses.
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