Eight teenagers have been arrested and charged with murder in the fatal beating of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr. in Las Vegas. The incident, described as a “senseless beating,” occurred in a back alley near Rancho High School and was captured in a disturbing video that circulated on social media.
Jonathan Lewis Jr. died less than a week after the attack, succumbing to blunt force trauma injuries. The suspects, aged 13 to 17 and all students at Rancho High School, were promptly identified from the graphic video footage. Two additional unidentified suspects are still being sought in connection to the case.
The initial altercation on November 1 involved Lewis and an unnamed peer and reportedly started over stolen wireless headphones and possibly a stolen vape pen. These items were allegedly taken from Lewis or his friends earlier in the week, leading to the confrontation.
During a press conference, Las Vegas Homicide Lt. Jason Johansson detailed that the fight escalated when a group of students swarmed Lewis after the initial punch. The victim’s father, Jonathan Lewis, has previously stated that his son was defending a smaller friend before the fatal beating.
The suspects, whose names have not been disclosed due to their ages, have been charged with murder. The investigation is ongoing, with two additional suspects still being sought by authorities. Las Vegas police emphasized that, despite speculation, there is currently no evidence suggesting that the beating was a hate crime.
Undersheriff Andrew Walsh highlighted that the investigation is “far from over,” and law enforcement is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any other individuals involved in the assault. The incident has sparked concerns about violence among teenagers, prompting a broader societal discussion on the underlying factors contributing to such tragic events.
🚨BREAKING: Police in Las Vegas arrest 8 teenagers who now face murder charges over death of Jonathan Lewis Jr., a 17-year-old white high school student. He was jumped and beaten to death on Nov 1 near Rancho High School.
Jonathan’s father claims on his GoFundMe, “that one of… pic.twitter.com/cpVwMHEXQU
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 15, 2023
BREAKING: Las Vegas Police have arrested eight teenagers who now face murder charges over the death of Jonathan Lewis Jr., a 17-year-old white high school student, after Lewis was jumped and beaten to death near Rancho High School. pic.twitter.com/LQjkEu4HYJ
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) November 15, 2023
