LAS VEGAS (TCD) — Four teenagers pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges this week for allegedly participating in the beating death of a 17-year-old classmate.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports a grand jury indicted 18-year-old Damien Hernandez, 17-year-old Gianni Robinson, Treavion Randolph, and Dontral Beaver, both 16, on charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit battery resulting in substantial bodily harm in connection with Jonathan Lewis’ November death.
Nine people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating, and Hernandez, Robinson, Randolph, and Beaver are being charged as adults. Robinson and Beaver reportedly opted for a speedy trial, while the other two waived the right to a quick trial. KLAS-TV reports Beaver and Robinson are scheduled to head to trial April 1.
The four teen defendants are reportedly arguing they beat Lewis out of self-defense.
The fight occurred Nov. 1, 2023, in an alley near Rancho High School. Las Vegas Police Lt. Jason Johansson said in a press conference Lewis suffered “unsurvivable head trauma.” Lewis was declared brain dead on Nov. 7.
Officials obtained video footage from the fight, which Johansson called “graphic,” and described it as involving about 10 individuals “kicking, stomping, and punching our victim Jonathan as he is on the ground not defending himself and to the point where he becomes unconscious.”
According to KLAS, a police officer testified before a grand jury saying Lewis allegedly previously “harassed” Robinson because he accused Robinson of stealing a vape pen. Robinson reportedly denied taking the pen and said he had money to buy one, so there was no need to steal it.
The officer reportedly said Lewis called out to other students and punched someone. The altercation escalated and Lewis ended up on the ground with other people beating him.
A witness allegedly told the officer one of Lewis’ friends had a knife and was “slicing” people, but there were no knife-related injuries.
Following the fight, a fellow student and a neighbor carried Lewis back to the school for help. He died from blunt force trauma injuries.
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