Disturbing New Details Released in Case of Teen Who Was Torched by Classmates

October 19, 2009

Authorities in Deerfield Beach, Fla, have released new details in the case of a Michael Brewer, a 15-year-old who was recently set ablaze by a group of teens, leaving him hospitalized with burns over 80 percent of his body.

"Please, please, please,'' Michael is heard screaming on a 911 recording."Please help me."

It was those agonizing screams that alerted several residents of Lime Tree Village apartments that something terrible had happened on the afternoon of Oct. 12. When they ran outside to investigate, they were shocked to find Michael, with much of his body engulfed in flames. Acting on impulse, one neighbor ran for a fire extinguisher, while another dashed to the boy's aide. Once the flames were extinguished, Michael ripped off his shirt and jumped into the complex's swimming pool. Unfortunately, much of the damage had already been done. According to eyewitnesses, the top layer of Michael's skin was literally falling off his body.

"He's screaming; he's alert," an unidentified caller told a Deerfield 911 dispatcher.

When the caller asked the boy what had happened, he responded by saying, "Somebody poured stuff on me.''

**Warning Graphic Content**Listen to the 911 call

Once the paramedics arrived on the scene and transported the injured teen to the hospital, investigators with the Broward County Sheriff's Office secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses in an attempt to determine what had happened to Michael. It was during this questioning that an unidentified resident of the complex allegedly told an investigator that he or she had witnessed a group of teens surround Michael, and that one of them threw an unknown substance on him moments before flames engulfed his body.

Through the course of their investigation, authorities were able to identify the teens as Matthew Bent, 15; Denver Colorado Jarvis, 15; his brother, Jeremy Jarvis, 13; Steven Shelton, 15; and Jesus Mendez, 15.

According to police, Mendez was the only member of the group to confess to his involvement in the assault. He allegedly told a Broward County Sheriff's Office deputy that he made "a bad decision."

In speaking with the media about the case, Broward County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Steve Feeley said that the assault stemmed from a series of earlier incidents. Michael had allegedly failed to pay Bent $40 that he owed him for a video game. In retaliation, Bent allegedly attempted to get even by stealing a custom-made bicycle that was owned by Michael's father. However, the theft went south when Bent was caught in the act, and arrested.

The following day, neither Michael nor Bent went to school. Bent stayed home after his brief stay in a juvenile facility and Michael, according to his parents, did not attend because he was afraid of retaliation.

Later that day, Michael went to visit a friend at the Deerfield Beach apartment complex at 429 SE 13th Ct. Police say that Bent was also at the complex and, upon seeing Michael, he and the other teens hatched their plan.

Click here to continue reading this story >

Upon grabbing a bottle of rubbing alcohol that they found outside the complex, the teens allegedly confronted Michael and called him a snitch. Michael attempted to walk away, but was surrounded by the group, whereupon Bent allegedly gave the order to "Pour it on him. Pour it on him.''

It was Jarvis, say police, who poured the alcohol on Michael, and Mendez who used a lighter to set him on fire. The others allegedly stood by and watched as Michael's body went up and flames and he ran screaming for help.

Three of the juveniles were arrested on the night of the incident and the other two the following day. According to Sgt. Feeley, some of the suspects were "laughing about [the incident]."

The teens are presently locked up in a juvenile detention facility. Mendez faces charges of attempted second-degree murder; Bent, Shelton, Denver and Jeremy Jarvis have each been charged with aggravated battery.

"In my 31 years -- I always say, 'it's the most heinous crime I've ever seen,'" Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti said. "This one fits in that category. The fact that a person would intentionally ignite another child on fire -- it's indescribable."

Michael remains in critical condition at the Jackson Memorial Hospital's Burn Center in Miami. More than two-thirds of his body suffered second- and third-degree burns. When he first arrived at the hospital, he was placed in a medically-induced coma. He has since awakened from that coma; however, he is unable to speak due to tubes that have been inserted in his throat. As a result, he has to use his hands to communicate. Doctors do not yet know whether Michael will survive. In the event that he does, he will be hospitalized for at least 5 months and will face years of skin graft surgeries.

Despite the uncertainty that surrounds her son's future, Michael's mother, Valerie Brewer, remains confident that he will be ok.

"He's very strong," Brewer said on NBC's Today. "I know he's going to pull through this."

Michael Brewer's family has set up a foundation with Bank of America for anyone who wants to help with medical expenses. The family has no insurance, and medical bills are expected to run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. The foundation's account number is 898035752616 and funds can be deposited at any Bank of America.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: School Safety Week

Photo Credit: Alan Diaz/AP

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Comments

[Michelle Says So]

I have to say YES to these psychopaths being tried as adults. I listened to that 911 tape and that poor boy's screams alone did it for me right then and there. It was totally disturbing, and they are laughing about it, so obvious they have no remorse...put them in with the big boys in prison...see how long they last there.

[TL10]

Being A fifteen yearold kid myself, I am amazed that guys like me could do this! I saw this on Global National (a Canadian News show) last night and I was shocked to see this on the news. I have followed this story since and I hope the guy pulls through. As for the others, they deserve an adult sentence, REGARDLESS of the outcome!

[Dan]

First off my thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Brewer and his family.

Also I would like to see the feds get involved in this case if that boy dies. I think the following

US Code, Title 18, Ch. 113C, Sec. 2340

would enable the execution of these criminals.

If that was my child who was burnt. These kids would disappear. I can think of a few things I would pay for...place them on a CIA jet for some waterboarding and other things. I would spare no expense.

[Nancy]

I think, despite their ages, they should all be tried as adults. They knew what they were doing, therefore should face the consequences. As far as the second degree attempted murder charge goes, all of them should be handed that charge also. I hope they are all found guilty and they get the maximum; everything they can possibly get; for doing this to Michael.

[heather smith]

those boys should be tried as adults if they did that what else could they do next they need life with ont proloe they are not nice kids i seen them on tv they did not look sorry even!!! for the family i am praying for you and michael

[Kim]

These "kids" knew better - charge them all as adults - put them away for the rest of their lives - their anger is apparent and it will happen again, except next time someone will be killed - unfortunately for this boy, his life is forever changed - God bless him.

[McKenzy Endres Arquette]

OMG this is so sad... the 911 call made me cry

[Elizabeth Brawley]

Seems everyone is in clear agreement with their vote thus far David. I read the article and voted as well. I am sickened at their actions and lift Michael in prayer for healing as well as my church has him lifted up in prayer.

[Nora]

They should be tried as adults, hopefully other teenager will think about doing bad things.

[FromWhispersToRoars]

Tried as adults!!

[Jamie]

Ditto!

[Madeline]

Yes, as adults.

[Barbie Tarr]

Such a sad, disturbing story ! They should all be tried as adults IMO.

[RaVen]

adults, and NO MERCY

[Jaime]

What do you even do to a group of kids that are so warped they would even think to do something like that; let alone laugh about it later? Honestly - what do you do?

[FromWhispersToRoars]

Intense therapy, but it's no guarantee :(

[Raven]

there's no hope for them, they are lost

[James]

We really need to take a hard look at ourselves and ask ourselves if this is what we want our society to become.

In addition, we need to realize there is no hope for some who have become corrupted and cannot be rehabilitated.

Until we are willing to punish what must be punished, and correct what must be corrected, crimes like this will continue unchecked.

As parents, we MUST accept the responsibility of guiding our children, and accepting the consequences of their actions. I wouldn't need to rely on the justice system to punish my child for an action such as this, because as a parent my child would never leave the house if I believed he was capable of such an act.

Know their friends, know where they are, and be their parent. You can be their friend once they're an adult, until then, it's up to you to raise them right.

These "kids" are so far off the wagon they need to be locked up for life. And society needs to take a real good look at the other "kids" being raised by these parents.

Unreal.

[David L. Wylie]

For those of you following this story, a Foundation has been set up to help alleviate some of the medical bills for Michael. Also, you can get updates on Michael's Condition from a Facebook page that has been set up by his family.

http://www.facebook.com/michaelbrewerfoundation

[shannon]

you and your family are in my prayers. i am so sorry that something so terrible happened to you and i hope that all involved are held accountable to the fullest extent. both you and your family stay strong and know that there are many people parying for you.

[laura]

The family should file civil suits against all parents of these monsters! I would also like to see their heads shaved...Also, I am appalled that I have not seen any updates on this case in local or national news! Although I can always catch up on Bubble Boy Hoax every 10 mins! How can broadcast news let this case go to sleep?

[j.s.h.]

very optimistic whispers to roars, but generally budding psychopaths are untreatable due to the deceptive nature and lack of remorse, and if they are this young and dont flinch at the act of torching another Child with gasoline, its likely they will only escalate further into moral insanity. I say try them as adults and swallow the keys,...fire up old sparky...whatever...The monsters of society (all ages) need a wake up call, and as of late the law isnt working, and part of this is due to every two bit hand-holding therapist more concerned with attempting to justify/excuse their sickness by bringing up the past, than allowing prosecutors to do their JOB....(punish them for their crime)

[LauraLee]

I realize that most of you will think I am a bleeding heart. I think this is terrible and my heart goes out to the Victim and his family. However, I think that society as a whole often likes to say "string them kids up, treat them as adults." The problem with that is that they are not adults they are children. I believe that they should be punished but not life without the possiblity of parole. I think they need extensive intervention and not a slap on the wrist. I reiterate they are children. There are a lot of stupid things that most adults have done as teenagers (not as severe as this) that we would never think of doing as adults. We are a society that worry about our children's feelings rather than punishing them appropriately at the appropiate time. If the parents of these children punished them when appropriate this more than likely would not have happened. I am curious as to the child arrested shortly before the incident, was he arrested then released to his parents only to be allowed to walk the streets with no consequences imposed by his parents. Maybe this is the problem.

[j.s.h.]

It dosent really make you a bleeding heart ma'am...just optimistic,...while its an admirable optimism i'm sure you're well aware that its More likely they will escalate regardless of the punishment or therpay they receive. Also they are of the Age where they're not really Children, so much as budding adults who are well old enough to Know what they did was sick. The people say "string em up" because they generally despise the lack of justice within our current legal system, and most realize that harsh Examples are foundations of thought for other would be offenders of their variety. I respect your views however, and sometimes wish i still had the same Optimism.

[Halley]

All of them can work to support Michael for as long as his suffering lasts and as much as his treatment costs, and even if they did that, they would never be able to pay for what they have and will cost him and his family. But that's what they owe him now. It will be a miracle if even one of the five terrorists actually lives long enough to try to make reparations to this boy and his family for the years of torture they have doomed him to, while laughing. But yeah, they should be responsible for him for as long as it takes -- what other possible justice could there be that was positive, rather than simply an endless spiral of darkness and revenge.

All that for a $40 video game; there is no way any of these kids should walk free, being willing to carry out the orders of a psychopath, but especially Bent -- you do not want to release him back into society, the way his career arc has been going so far.

[Richard]

The astonishingly atrocious act committed against Michael Brewer is such as shocks the minds of all but those who would be disposed to commit such an act in the first place. Make no mistake, the kind of person who would do what the perpetrators did to Michael would just as soon do the same to you, your child, or a member of your community. Such sociopathic personalities have been known to exist for so long as human beings have sought to live according to a social order. The concepts of right, wrong, compassion, fairness, justice and decency are as alien to them as are the surfaces of the outer planets. They are no more capable of feeling remorse than is a block of granite and are less interested..

Millennia ago, it was realized that the manifestations of violent sometimes exceedingly violent sociopathy was an inescapable aspect of the human condition and that means of controlling those manifestations had to be found lest men and women be unable to live together in communities. In order, as Thomas Hobbes wrote, that men and women “might conserve themselves in numbers”, the rule of law was instituted. To hold the thugs and sociopaths in check a system of rules was instituted whereby commission of proscribed acts would result in memorable punishment.

The object of the criminal law ought not to be revenge but punishment. The punishment should be in proportion to the crime and should be such as will modify the conduct of persons disposed to committing offenses. Punishments written into statute books but seldom applied would not avail. Heinous acts punished with gentle reprimands would engender mocking of the law and likely increased commission of even more heinous acts.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Montesquieu and Jean Jacques Rousseau began openly to ruminate on the notion of defining the “rights of man”, daring to go so far as to observe that none was “above the law”. It was upon the work of these and other thinkers that the Founding Fathers drew the legal bases for the right of this country to come into existence. In the works of the Enlightenment thinkers Jefferson found all that he needed to enable him to draft the Declaration.

Rousseau appreciated that there were and would continue to be circumstances wherein the criminal act committed would be so repulsive to society that the criminal committing the act would thereby forfeit his right to live among civilized men and women.

In The Social Contract, Rousseau wrote:

Again, every rogue who criminously attacks social rights becomes, by his wrong, a rebel and a traitor to his fatherland. By contravening its laws, he ceases to be one of its citizens: he even wages war against it. In such circumstances, the State and he cannot both be saved: one or the other must perish. In killing the criminal, we destroy not so much a citizen as an enemy. The trial and judgements are proofs that he has broken the Social Contract, and so is no longer a member of the State.

How would Rousseau view the act committed against Michael Brewer? Several perpetrators old enough to have known better, surrounded and immobilized a 15 year old boy, then calmly set him alight, using an accelerant, in order to effect revenge for the boy’s having attempted to protect his father’s property The perpetrators later exulted in reflecting on what they had done.

I’ve seen the results on the human body of severe burn injuries. No more horrible injury can be imagined. We touch the hot coil in a dishwasher and yank back our finger, wincing in pain from the application of heat sufficient to raise but a small blister that will disappear of its own in hours or days.

Now imagine being doused with alcohol and set on fire, seeing your flesh well up into bubbles as it burns while your attackers look on and smirk. Imagine seeing your skin turn as black as the soot from a diesel engine and smelling even more putrid as your skin is incinerated. Imagine being in a hospital for five months, knowing you will likely be terribly disfigured and face years of excruciatingly painful surgery to enable you to walk or to dare to appear in public. Now try, if you can, to imagine the terror in Michael Brewer’s mind as he knew he was being consumed by a fire he could not extinguish and that burned whilst his attackers looked on and smirked?

Imagine knowing that your relationships with the world and all the people you knew in it would never be the same, that you may not be able to support yourself or to have a family of your own, and that this happened not because you were trapped in a building or vehicle in an horrific accident, but because other persons thought you hadn’t the right to do what adult society has for generations taught its young people to do.

We will get the kind of society we deserve. If we want to continue to “conserve ourselves in numbers” and to live together in society, then we had better deliver an ultimatum to sociopaths that they had better learn to conform their conduct to societal norms lest they suffer the consequences of swift and certain punishment, punishment that takes account of the nature and extent of the crime committed, the circumstances under which it was committed and the intent of the person or persons who committed it. The punishment should also take account of the involvement of the victim and the type and extent of harm done to him or her.

If you feel that it is enough to punish what was done to Michael Brewer as an aggravated assault, then be certain that you, your wife, your son, your daughter and your grandchildren always carry at least $40, that none of you ever reports criminal activity to the police and that each of you stays away from stores that have sales on rubbing alcohol. Good God, even doing all that may not be enough. They may decide to burn one of you just for the fun of it.

[adriana]

Tried as Adults 100%..this is just pure Evil

[anne marie]

OH MY GOSH!! POOR LITTLE BOY! bless his and his family's heart. i have a 9month old son and i would just be CRUSHED if someone did this to him. they need to be tried as adults.

[jonathan white]

death penalty

[j.s.h.]

Richard, nicely put and I agree, as i'm sure Hobbes, locke, rosseau,montesquieu, and the rest of those unmentioned would. To pacify such offenses with slaps on the wrist or lesser sentencing just because of youthfulness in an offender is absurd. The way I view it personally...if they are this young and committing such offenses its only going to escalate further into malady before it gets better. Unfortunately though for psychopaths/sociopaths making a public example of them by means of harsh punishments dosent effect the countless others who exist out there, because they themselves dont see that they are the problem, they like passin the buck and shifting the blame to their victims often, or society, violent video games..etc etc..Still...I very much think they deserve the harshest punishment society can legally offer..

[c]

The parents of those juvenile delinquents should be made to pay all costs associated with his rehabilitation.

[Heartless]

They were kids.

That kid shouldn't have ripped him off for his video game.

Tried as kids and whoever said something about them getting the death penalty is wrong.

[Mackenzie]

Personally I think those boys parent ought to front the Bills since they did this incredulous act. It's no where near from Okay to do this to anyone , there parents should have taught them better. If something petty like what happened earlier in that week of this terrible accident you are not suppose to hold grudges against anyone either friend or Foe

[MKM]

Heartless--I'm a former kid. It never occurred to me or my friends to torch someone and stand around laughing. It never even occurred to the "bad boys" at school.

So. First you assume the sociopaths were telling the truth when they said the victim "ripped them off." Second, suppose he did rip them off. Apparently you think all thieves deserve the death sentence, by fire. Thank God you aren't part of the judicial system.

[j.s.h.]

MKM I second that notion, and must say that im thankful such Sociopathic types are still part of the minority, and most people would disagree with the statements made by mr. or ms./mrs. heartless....Heartless made that comment for reactionistic purposes i'm guessing,..to get a shock value reaction from other individuals....(thankfully no one is biting though, the worst thing to do in such an instance is "react" in a manner anticipated by such individuals)

[Suzy]

I pray for Michael's recovery may he rise above this evil crime against him and be able to live in love, joy and peace one day.

I pray for prudence of juror's mind's and justice. Burning, mutiliating, and torture in general can't be rehabilitated. These monsters are evil and will strike again. They will become serial killers, if they are let go and dismissed as children. Lock them up for life. NO PAROLE. target the lawmakers to change the laws so evil children pay with their freedom for life in this case and the case of the recent gang rape of the high school girl outside of school. NO ONE .. and other recent child murderers that kill brothers, sisters, friends, parents... The People need to change the criminal justice system.

[Edgar]

This is something. Tried as adults and have these creatures, work in a Burn Facility. May they see the horrors they have done to that poor boy. Only a complete thoughtless, and brain dead person would alight another person on fire. Think about it, actually setting someone on fire? Wow.

[MoonLight]

Well, 4 of those 5 "kids" for sure will be tried as adults as they are 15, the 13 year old will not unless Michael doesn't make it. From a defense attorney point of view, no one is willing to take this kind of case as no jury for sure will show mercy on these kids with the evidence in public. Death sentence is unlikely but 4 teens will get life which may end up parole at their 50s or 60s.

[MoonLight]

The unbelievable part of this tragedy is not the tragedy itself, but the total illogical judgement of these kids. As they appear they don't know the consequences. The ironical part of this is that one cannot use that as defense unless the criminal is insane, but these kids are not.

The more unbelievable part of this tragedy is that these parents should know better that their sons are bullies, and from these chains of events they have more chances to stop that (at least let these bullies know the simple things of right and wrong) than the by-standers holding the fire extinguisher. If the 13 year old boy won't be tried as adult, his parent should be tried as manslaughter.

[Dawn]

They should be tried as adults. If kids want to act like an adult and do a adult crime they should do the adult time. To the few who find compassion should remember that Michael life will never be the same.He will in a way have a life sentence of pain and suffering not to mention the mental impact this is gonna have on the young man.In return the young men that did this to him should get the same sentence. Chances are they wont and when these kids get out I wont be surprised in the future to hear they killed someone or are cerial killers.These kids are beyond help IMO.The boy who says he was in the wrong place at the wrong time should get punished the same as the others. He ran and didnt even try to help the boy he is just as guilty in my eyes.

[rita]

These kids do not even deserve to be alive and breathe for what they have done to this child!!! I do not want to have anyone like this walking the streets!!! I believe in "an eye for an eye" -So if this kid doesnt pull thru the two who were mainly responsible should receive the death penalty-too bad that we couldnt "burn" them to death like they did to poor Michael!! If hopefully Michael does pull thru then throw them in an adult jail and the inmates will get them-Ha, who will have the last laugh then...I cant beleive after such a hainess act that they would even have the nerve to laugh when they were questioned by the officers!!How sick!!! OUR THIUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH MICHAEL AND HIS FAMILY-Please help by giving to the Michael Brewer Foundation-

[rita]

And the 4% that say that they shouldnt be tried as adults are probably criminals at large themselves!! TRY THEM AS ADULTS AND THROW THEM IN JAIL FOR LIFE-But if it was up to me, they would be burned to death!!

[mel]

THIS IS TOTALLY WRONG!! I'm 14 years old and I would never even imagine doing this. I'm sitting here about to cry! I can't believe that those sick people would stand there and laugh...

[j..s.h.]

the youngest reported individual sentenced to death in the 20th century was a 14 year old boy. George junius Stinney Jr, executed in 1944. (south carolina)

[Missa]

Just when I didn't think I could be any more disgusted in the human race. I read a story like this. What's happening to us?

I'm praying for Michael.

May these monsters that did this pay dearly.

[Karen Countryman]

boys stabbed my 15 year old daughter to death to disguise a rape. They were later heard laughing about it. Three of the 7 involved served less than five years for it, with DNA evidence. Though it was well known, only the dna is what put them in jail. After the church organized a protest, we were threatened and my husband beaten after their conviction.

Avoid Texas.

[sandra cullum]

I am the mother of a child that was burned in a house fire several years ago -there is no way to discribe the pain you suffer as you watch your child in such agonizing pain - the pain lasts for years and the mental scars are as deep or deeper as the burn scars - it is inconceivable that these children could be so unfeeling, so very monsterous - what did they suppose would happen - did they think it would go away the next day - with all the accidental burn accidents I find it diffucult to believe that this is possible - to set someone on fire is the lowest form of evil - there should be no question as to how these boys are tried and treated -we should thank God that they are the exception and not the rule - my heart and my prayers go out to Michael and his suffering Mother - you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time - stay strong -

[charles sanders]

i think those young boys should not have set him on fire. The worst part about it is that some people say it was about a video game. When i heard about the story i really wanted to cry even though i dint know the boy at all. As adults they should still be in jail even if they learned they lesson or not even the boys who decided to watch they friends put Micheal Brewer on fire and not to take charge or put matter into they own hands. Micheal i wish you the best and i hope you stay strong and keep your head up high. You are still beautiful no matter what anybody say.

[oweneden]

In all fairness. Michael Brewer was a known troublemaker.
He tried to skip out on the $40 he owed and he called the police for trouble that he started in the first place. In addition, does it occur to any of you that if poor little Michael Brewer had been in school where he was supposed to be, this probably might not have happened. To a 15 year old, $40 is a large sum of money. This amount is about $400 to an adult. If I screwed any one of you out of $400 and then called the police on you and had you arrested, would you not want to kick my butt!
I am not saying that they were right to do what they did, but Michael Brewer was going to get his due sooner or later also. He too was on the path to cause trouble for others. He just got his comeuppance maybe a little too soon. These kids that did this DO NOT NEED to be charged as adults. They overracted and very badly to another troublemaker. The very best thing we can teach our kids is how to avoid trouble like this to begin with. Teach them not to screw anybody over. Don't start trouble then call the police, and finally, Don't play hookey from school. I really would like to hear back from other people in a polite intelligent fashion. If you are going to be nasty, AND you believe in "Eye for an eye" be ready to practice it because I have been to prison myself. Otherwise, I really DO want to hear from you. Much respect

[Scout]

The suspects should definitely be tried as adults. While there might be some situations where 15-16 year olds might not understand the seriousness of a crime, 15-16 year olds well understand the danger of heat and fire to human skin. We learn by the time we start school the danger of a hot stove, the tip of a cigarette, or even a hot door handle on a summer day. Unless these boys were mentally challenged which doesn't seem to be the case, they knew what would happen when they doused him with alcohol and set him on fire. They reportedly laughed about it afterwards, even after hearing his screams.

The judge in the case mentioned at least one of the boy's interviews describing the event as callous.(The boy who was egging the others on to douse and light Brewer.) The three boys' lawyers are not doing the suspects or our society any favors by not accepting the plea deal of 10-15 years. Michael Brewer will live with 80% of his body scarred, the trauma of the incident and countless surgeries to come for the rest of his life. His life could even be shortened by the injury from the burns. My grandfather was badly burned on his legs in an accident and died from a stroke in his early 50's. Doctors thought his burn trauma had something to do with his untimely death.

In many cultures, a crime of this seriousness would be a death penalty crime, not that I am suggesting that.

To Oweneden: If you are suggesting that Brewer deserved to be set on fire because he was a "known troublemaker", then you didn't learn much from your time in prison. If all "known troublemakers" were to be set on fire as a consequence, a huge portion of our society would be walking around permanently scarred and traumatized. "In all fairness" do you think you should have been set on fire for whatever crime you committed which resulted in your incarciration?

If one of the suspects was owed some money, he should have gone to the school principal and/or called the police to handle it. And for the record, Brewer wasn't playing hookey--he stayed home from school for fear of retaliation and didn't expect to see the boys who set him on fire. You obviously are not capable of empathy to suggest that because Brewer called police on the boy stealing his father's bike, that he deserved what he got. You would do well to visit the burn unit of a hospital and see the kind of pain that burn victims suffer. You would very likely choose more years in prison over being burned the way Michael Brewer was burned.