Ninth juvenile arrested in connection with fatal beating of Jonathan Lewis Jr.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has announced that a ninth juvenile has been apprehended in connection with the tragic killing of a teenager. The individual was arrested in relation to the death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr. and has been booked into Clark County Juvenile Hall on charges of open murder. Las Vegas police are still seeking help in identifying another person involved in the incident, who was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and khaki pants.

Initially, eight juveniles between the ages of 13 and 17 were arrested in connection with the death. Two more individuals were being sought at the time, but as of Tuesday, only one remains outstanding, according to police. Four of the teens, aged 16 and 17, have been charged as adults with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit battery. They have been transferred from the county jail to the juvenile detention center for their safety, as per a joint request from prosecutors and defense attorneys.

The remaining individuals involved are awaiting separate hearings due to being under the age of 16. The incident occurred when the students of Rancho High School decided to meet off-campus after school to settle a dispute over stolen items, including wireless headphones and a vape pen. Video footage of the brawl shows the victim preparing for the fight by removing his shirt before being swarmed by the group of students who proceeded to kick, punch, and stomp on him.

Describing the video as “very void of humanity,” Lieutenant Jason Johansson stated that the victim was unable to defend himself during the attack. After sustaining severe head trauma and other injuries, Lewis was hospitalized and sadly passed away a week later, according to the coroner’s office in Las Vegas.

Detectives believe that the victim was not originally targeted for the brawl but ended up in the alleyway with his friend after school. Police have released updated photos of the tenth individual they are seeking to identify in connection with the incident.

This tragic event has shocked the community, highlighting the need for measures to prevent such acts of violence among young people. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.