3 Florida teens accused of setting boy on fire with rubbing alcohol will face adult charges

Associated Press

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 4:43 PM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Three Florida teenagers accused of setting another teen on fire will be charged as adults.

Denver Jarvis, Matthew Bent and Jesus Mendez were charged Monday with one count each of attempted second-degree murder. Jarvis and Bent are 15 years old and Mendez is 16.

The Broward County State Attorney's office accuses Jarvis of pouring rubbing alcohol on 15-year-old Michael Brewer last month in Deerfield Beach.

Mendez is accused of lighting Brewer on fire and Bent is accused of directing the attack. Brewer sustained burns over 65 percent of his body and is still in critical condition.

Police have said the attack stemmed from a dispute that began over a video game and escalated when the victim accused the defendants of trying to steal his father's bicycle.

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