Four teenagers from Las Vegas have agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the case of their high school classmate's fatal beating. The incident, which occurred in November, resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr. The teens were initially charged as adults with second-degree murder and conspiracy, but the plea deal will keep them in juvenile court.
Cellphone video of the fatal beating, which was widely shared on social media, led to the arrests of nine teenagers in connection with Lewis' death. The altercation took place just off the campus of Rancho High School, where all the students were enrolled. The fight reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a stolen vape pen and wireless headphones belonging to Lewis' friend.
The plea deal, announced during a hearing before Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones, includes an undetermined period of imprisonment in a juvenile detention center for the four teens. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani emphasized that the offer is contingent on all parties accepting the terms. Should any of the teens back out of the deal, they could once again face charges in adult court.
Defense lawyer Robert Draskovich, representing one of the defendants, described the deadly fight as a tragedy. He expressed relief that the negotiated agreement would allow his client to graduate high school and move forward with their life. Draskovich acknowledged his client's involvement in the incident but also highlighted the presence of a knife among the group with Lewis during the altercation.
While Lewis' mother expressed dismay over the plea agreement, the Clark County District Attorney's office defended the resolution of the case as a balance between the severity of the crime and potential legal challenges at trial. The office stated that juvenile court would be best equipped to address the defendants' conduct while offering opportunities for rehabilitation.
In Nevada, teenagers aged 13 or older can be charged as adults in cases involving murder. The investigation into Lewis' death revealed that he was severely beaten by the group of students, resulting in his unconscious state. School staff attempted to assist Lewis after the fight, with a student and a local resident ultimately transporting him back to campus.
