Court Appearance for Teens Accused in Fatal Assault Near Rancho High School

LAS VEGAS – Three of the eight teenagers accused of fatally beating another student near Rancho High School earlier this month appeared in Clark County Justice Court on Friday morning. Dontral Beaver, Damien Hernandez, and Gianna Robinson, who are now considered adults for legal purposes, faced their first legal proceedings. The fourth suspect, Treavion Randolph, is expected to appear in court later today.

The remaining four students involved in the case, who are under 16 years old, have not been publicly identified. Legal experts informed Channel 13 that the legal process for these minors will differ slightly from those who are 16 or older. According to Nevada law, juveniles aged 16 and older facing murder charges are treated as adults automatically. However, for those under 16, a judge in the juvenile court will decide whether their case should be transferred to adult court or kept in the juvenile justice system. A hearing is scheduled for next month to determine the fate of these four teenagers.

The tragic incident occurred on November 1 when Jonathan Lewis Jr. was found unconscious and bleeding from the head in an alley off the Rancho High School campus. The police reported that he was involved in a fight with approximately twelve other students over stolen headphones and a vape pen.

Family members of the accused teenagers were present in court but declined to speak with Channel 13. Meanwhile, a memorial to honor Jonathan Lewis Jr. has been set up in the alley where the fatal assault took place.

All three teenagers, now considered adults, will remain in custody until their next hearing on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

Credits: KTNV