LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A judge has denied attempts to dismiss murder charges for the four teens accused of beating a 17-year-old to death in Las Vegas.
Dontral Beaver, 16, Damien Hernandez, 17, Treavion Randolph, 16, and Gianni Robinson, 17 are accused in the murder of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis. Multiple videos flooded social media following the attack, showing a large group of students hitting, kicking, and stomping on Lewis to the point of unconsciousness.
According to police, Lewis died from his injuries a week later.
The four teens pleaded not guilty and waived their rights to a speedy trial. In January, all four were indicted by a Clark County grand jury on murder and conspiracy charges.
Lawyers for the teens filed a petition of writ of habeas corpus to dismiss the indictment, arguing that their clients acted in self-defense after Lewis threw the first punch. However, a court denied the petition on Monday. In a court order, Judge Tierra Jones argued that a grand jury does not have to prove guilt or innocence, just that a crime has been committed.
The order notes, “The evidence presented demonstrates Defendant’s participation in a series of acts which resulted in beating and causing harm to the victim.”
Court records show the teens’ trial is set for Monday, August 19.
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