Eight High School Students Arrested in Las Vegas on Suspicion of Murder in Fatal Beating of 17-Year-Old Classmate

Eight high school students in Las Vegas have been arrested on suspicion of murder in the fatal beating of a 17-year-old classmate. Las Vegas police homicide Lt. Jason Johansson said Tuesday at a news conference that the suspects, who are between the ages of 13 and 17, were booked on suspicion of murder.

The victim, Jonathan Lewis Jr., was hospitalized with severe “head trauma” and other injuries until his death about a week after the fight. The fight, which occurred on Nov. 1, was reportedly over a pair of wireless headphones and a vape pen.

At least 10 people were involved in the fight, punching, kicking and stomping Jonathan Lewis after school on the afternoon of Nov. 1, according to Las Vegas police officials. Lt. Johansson said the police department was urging that qualified suspects be charged as adults.

The identities of the eight suspects were not released due to their minor status. However, police are still working to identify two more students believed to have participated in the fight.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them.