A Las Vegas high school student was beaten to death by 10 classmates between 13 and 17, police say

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In a tragic incident, a 17-year-old high school student from Las Vegas lost his life following a severe beating by ten of his peers, aged 13 to 17. This brutal attack occurred in an alley near Rancho High School in eastern Las Vegas. It was initially sparked over a dispute involving a stolen pair of headphones and a vape pen.

According to Lt. Jason Johansson of the police homicide division, the confrontation was pre-planned to happen after school hours. However, he believes the victim, Jonathan Lewis Jr., was not initially meant to be part of this fight. Lewis went to the alley with a friend who was the actual owner of the stolen items.

This violent event, which took place on November 1, was recorded on a cellphone and circulated extensively on social media. Lt. Johansson described the video as shockingly inhumane. It shows Lewis removing his shirt to ready himself for the fight, only to be ambushed and brutally assaulted by the group, who kicked, punched, and stomped on him.

Eight of the attackers were apprehended on suspicion of murder by Las Vegas police and the FBI, with their identities withheld due to their minor status. The police are still seeking to identify the remaining two assailants and have released their images to the public.

A small memorial with flowers and candles was placed in the alley where Lewis was fatally beaten, seen by students as they left school the following Wednesday.

Rancho High School’s principal, Darlin Delgado, has communicated to parents that support and resources are available for the school community, acknowledging the profound impact of the incident.

Deputy Public Defender Scott Coffee, with 28 years of experience, noted the rarity of such a large group of young co-defendants being charged with murder in a single case. He raised questions about the intentions behind the attack and the varying degrees of culpability among the accused.

Four of the accused, aged 16 or older, have been ordered by a family court judge to face charges in the adult court system. Decisions are pending on whether the younger defendants will be similarly charged.

In the aftermath of the attack, a passerby found Lewis severely injured and unconscious, bringing him back to the school where emergency services were called. He succumbed to severe head trauma and other injuries a week later, with the coroner ruling the death a homicide.

Jonathan Lewis Sr., the victim’s father, has not responded to interview requests but expressed his grief on a fundraising page set up for funeral and medical expenses. He described his son as a kind, loving, and gentle young man, tragically attacked while defending his friend.

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