Vegas teen overwhelmed to dying by mob of 15 bullies
Videos of the incident circulated on-line and present the teenager on the bottom as he’s being kicked and punched in a big brawl.
New York Post
A youngster in Las Vegas died from accidents he obtained earlier this month when he was overwhelmed by a mob exterior a highschool, the boy’s father says.
Jonathan Lewis Jr., 17, was “concerned in a bodily altercation with roughly 15 people” a brief distance from Rancho High School on Nov. 1, in accordance with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. When officers arrived, Jonathan was unconscious and college staffers have been performing CPR. Emergency responders rushed him to a close-by hospital, the place he later died.
The teen’s father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., stated his son was attacked after he jumped in to assist his pal – a smaller boy who had one thing stolen from him by the group and was thrown right into a trash can.
“Jonathan simply needed to guard his pal,” Lewis, 38, advised USA TODAY. “He’s a hero.”
Police examine case as murder; faculty district assists
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s murder unit is dealing with the case. On Tuesday, the division didn’t reply whether or not any suspects had been recognized or arrested.
“The LVMPD is actively investigating this incident,” an e-mail from a division spokesperson stated. “An update shall be offered when available.”
Videos of the incident circulated on-line and present the teenager on the bottom as he’s being kicked and punched in a big brawl. Other teenagers stand to the facet and could be seen filming with their cellphones.
In an announcement shared with USA TODAY, the Clark County School District stated it is working with police and the district lawyer’s workplace to make sure these accountable for Jonathan’s dying are “held accountable.”
“All of CCSD grieves the lack of each scholar,” the assertion stated, including: “CCSD doesn’t tolerate violence or threats to college students or their security. We all should come collectively as a neighborhood to handle the wants of our college students so disagreements are resolved via dialogue relatively than violence.”
The household began a GoFundMe to boost funds to be cut up between every of Jonathan’s dad and mom. As of Tuesday morning, greater than $78,000 had been donated.
Family plans basis to sort out youth violence points
Jonathan was a connoisseur of music, particularly hip-hop, and had aspirations of turning into “an artist of some type,” Lewis stated.
In recent months, the pair had mentioned the opportunity of Jonathan shifting to Austin, Texas, to stay along with his father. Lewis outfitted his home with a studio, and he meant to show his son tips on how to paint with acrylics.
“I had a automobile for him,” Lewis stated. “He was about to start out a complete new life.”
After he was attacked, Jonathan was taken to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, the place he was placed on life assist and died 4 days later.
“I’m nonetheless in shock,” Lewis stated. “I’m going to in all probability spend the remainder of my life simply making an attempt to do one thing about it now as a result of … I simply misplaced my boy.”
At their son’s bedside, Jonathan’s dad and mom considered beginning a basis – Team Jonathan – that may give attention to root issues inflicting youth violence. Lewis made a web site in dedication to his son and introduced what he hopes will turn out to be a nonprofit with a nationwide scope – one that may supply after-school and mentorship applications, particularly for youngsters with out secure home lives.
And, so far as the continuing felony case, Lewis stated he is not going to stay in his ache and anger.
“Justice, to me, is not only these youngsters going to jail,” he stated. “I’m not going to really feel like I’ve justice for my son till issues change in society.”
Christopher Cann is a breaking information reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him through e-mail at [email protected] or observe him on X @ChrisCannFL.
