Three charged with burning teenager

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Three Florida teenagers accused of setting fire to a 15-year-old boy have been charged as adults with attempted murder, authorities said.

The Florida State Attorney's Office Monday charged Matthew Bent, 15; Denver Jarvis, 15; and Jesus Mendez, 16, with second-degree attempted murder, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Tuesday.

The three last month allegedly set fire to Michael Brewer, who is in critical condition with second- and third-degree burns over two-thirds of his body, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Prosecutors declined to file charges against two teens who were also initially accused in the case.

"This is a very active, ongoing investigation," said prosecutor Maria Schneider. "As additional information becomes available, then we have the option to revisit our filing decision."

Brewer, of Deerfield Beach, Fla., was allegedly attacked in retaliation for thwarting the theft of a custom bicycle that belonged to Brewer's father. Brewer was doused with rubbing alcohol and set fire Oct. 12 as he sat by an apartment pool, prosecutors said.

If found guilty of second-degree attempted murder, the teens could be sentenced to 15 years in prison.