Fox29 WFLX TV, West Palm Beach, Florida-Two teenagers receive prison time for teen burning

Two teenagers receive prison time for teen burning

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (WFLX)- Two of the three South Florida teenagers charged with setting a schoolmate on fire have pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree murder charges and will go to prison.

A Broward County judge on Wednesday sentenced 18-year-old Jesus Mendez to 11 years behind bars and 17-year-old Denver Jarvis to eight years. Alleged ringleader Matthew Bent, also 17, is opting to go to trial March 12.

Prosecutors say victim Michael Brewer was accosted by the trio at a Deerfield Beach apartment complex, doused with flammable liquid and set on fire. All four were middle school classmates. The dispute was over a $40 debt.

Brewer suffered severe burns but survived after jumping into a swimming pool. The case drew national media attention.

The 17-year-old Brewer now lives in West Palm Beach.

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