ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police said they have identified the four juveniles accused of beating up an Orlando teen and posting video of the attack on Instagram.
Three of the suspects-- all between the ages of 12 and 14 -- have been arrested, and warrants have been issued for the remaining suspect, investigators said.
Police said video shows 14-year-old Miguel Morales Jr. being tossed to the ground and stomped on at the Dr. James R. Smith Recreational Complex Saturday afternoon.
Trayvon Napoleon, 12, was arrested Wednesday. Officers said they arrested Jeremiah Henderson, 13, and Gregory Sessler, 14, Thursday. And investigators said there is an active felony custody order for Brandon Pickett, 14, who has not yet been located.
Police said all four suspects are expected to face felony charges of aggravated battery.
“This type of criminal behavior is unacceptable, and our police officers and detectives will work tirelessly to bring anyone to justice who participates in this type of violent activity,” Sgt. David Baker said in an email.
Napoleon made his first court appearance on Thursday. His mother wanted to take him home, but prosecutors argued to keep him locked up in the juvenile detention center for at least 21 days since it’s a second-degree felony.
READ: Second teen says they were beaten by suspects seen in Instagram video
After the hearing, a woman who identified as Napoleon’s grandmother shared her thoughts.
“This (expletive) ain’t no joke,” she said. “It’s not acceptable and I damn sure don’t condone it.”
Morales said he knew two of the people who jumped him from school, but he never had any beef with them, and it seemed to be a random attack.
“I couldn’t say nothing; I couldn’t think,” Morales said. “They was just hitting me.”
After Channel 9 reported on Morales’ case, the mother of another local teen came forward, saying her son was attacked outside the same complex in November. Police have not confirmed whether the suspects involved in that case are the same as those identified in Morales’ case.
Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspects in the case on Twitter on Wednesday.
We are asking the public's help in identifying the suspects in the beating of 14 yr old Miguel Morales Jr. If you have any knowledge of what transpired please call OPD at 407-246-2425 or @CrimelineFL. OPD has zero tolerance for bullying of our youth & this violent behavior. https://t.co/ve1E8RlMBQ
— Chief Orlando Rolón (@OrlandoPDChief) January 29, 2020
“OPD has zero tolerance for bullying of our youth & this violent behavior,” Rolon tweeted.
Officials believe the same group of boys have attacked other children at random.
Anyone with information on the cases is asked to call Orlando police at 407-246-2425 or Crimeline.
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