Las Vegas, Nevada – The fate of three teenagers charged with the brutal murder of a Rancho High School student hangs in the balance, as a Las Vegas judge prepares to set their bail in the coming days.

Gianni Robinson, 17, Damien Hernandez, 17, and Treavion Randolph, 16, appeared in court on Thursday, where their court-appointed attorneys argued for release conditions. Meanwhile, prosecutors requested a hefty $250,000 bail and electronic monitoring for each defendant. Justice of the Peace Nadia Wood indicated she would issue a written ruling soon.

The teenagers, along with 16-year-old Dontral Beaver, face charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit battery resulting in substantial bodily harm in connection with the November 1st death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis. Beaver’s attorney opted to wait for more discovery before presenting his bail arguments.

The case has garnered widespread attention after a video of the attack surfaced, prompting outrage and shock. The video, described by a top police official as “void of humanity,” shows a group of up to 10 teenagers, including the defendants, stomping, kicking, and punching Lewis until he falls unconscious. He tragically succumbed to his injuries six days later.

While defense attorneys argued that Lewis instigated the fight by pushing Robinson and punching another teenager, prosecutors countered that the group’s actions went far beyond self-defense. Judge Wood, after reviewing multiple videos and photos, acknowledged the video’s disturbing nature and stated, “I would agree that I don’t think what I saw in the video constituted self-defense.” However, she emphasized the need to consider the individual actions of each defendant before determining their bail.

A total of nine teenagers have been arrested in connection with Lewis’s death. While the cases of Robinson, Hernandez, Randolph, and Beaver were automatically sent to the adult court system due to their ages, the remaining five defendants remain in the juvenile justice system. Their cases are expected to proceed through certification hearings, where a judge will decide whether to try them as adults.

Police believe the video-recorded fight stemmed from a stolen marijuana vape pen belonging to one of Lewis’ friends. Court documents filed by the defense, however, claim the defendants were not responsible for Lewis’ fatal injuries.

The upcoming bail decision is a crucial step in this complex and emotionally charged case.

Credits: Review Journal