Jonathan Lewis: Two more teenagers plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in beating of Las Vegas high school student
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Two additional teenagers have admitted guilt for voluntary manslaughter in the case involving the fatal beating of Las Vegas high school student Jonathan Lewis in November of the previous year.
On Wednesday, February 7, both teenagers entered guilty pleas in court, appearing in juvenile custody uniforms before Judge Amy Mastin in the morning.
Who is accused in death of Jonathan Lewis?
Due to their ages and the handling of their cases in the family court system, the names of the juveniles are not being publicly disclosed.
They are facing charges in connection to the death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis, who lost his life in a brutal assault perpetrated by a group of approximately 15 fellow students. The fatal incident occurred outside Rancho High School in Las Vegas on November 1.
On Wednesday, attorney Richard Bryant represented the first teenager in court, with the teen's hearing set for March 6. The second juvenile, who is just thirteen years old, had Anthony Wright as his legal representative.
Following their guilty pleas, the state will transfer the teenagers' cases from the adult system to the juvenile court system.
As per KTNV, Lewis' mother and aunt participated in the court proceedings through virtual appearances.
Previously, four teenagers, Dontral Beaver (16), Damien Hernandez (17), Treavion Randolph (16), and Gianni Robinson (17), were charged as adults with the murder of their fellow student, Lewis.
In January, a Clark County grand jury indicted them in connection with Lewis' death. Despite their assertion of self-defense, it remains unclear if they have formally entered a plea at this time.
On February 22, the four teenagers in the adult court system are anticipated to appear in court for a trial preparation assessment. Damien Hernandez has posted bond, while three of the boys are currently held at the Clark County Detention Center.
What happened to Jonathan Lewis?
In December, unsettling 911 audio recordings from the moments following Lewis' death were released to the public.
On November 1, as the 17-year-old lay unconscious, battered, and struggling to breathe, a bystander, seemingly a teenager, initially informed the dispatcher, "Someone got knocked out."
The dispatcher responded, "What do you mean, like they fainted? Or they were punched?"
The caller clarified that a fight happened before a female voice interjected and told the officer, "They're saying that somebody jumped on the student, and the student is unconscious. He is breathing, but he’s unconscious."
Shocked witnesses vividly described chaotic and frantic scenes to a 911 operator from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police around 1:40 p.m., detailing the victim being punched, stomped, and kicked.
Following the brutal attack, a video obtained by 8 News Now depicts Lewis being carried to safety by a student and neighbor back to the high school.
In another video, Lewis is seen being knocked unconscious as the group stomps on him while he attempts to defend himself. According to the outlet, there is still a tenth "person of interest" who remains at large, and all individuals involved are reported to be students.
