New trial denied for teen accused of setting classmate on fire

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Published: 10/17/2012 12:56 pm

Updated: 10/17/2012 12:58 pm

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A Broward County prosecutor says there's not enough evidence of racial bias among jurors to warrant a new trial for the alleged ringleader in an attack on a teenager who was soaked in alcohol and set on fire.

A defense attorney for 18-year-old Matthew Bent countered Wednesday that race played such a role in deliberations that Bent's aggravated battery conviction should not stand. A judge says he'll decide by Monday whether to order a new trial.

Bent faces up to 15 years for the 2009 attack on Michael Brewer, who was then 15.

The jury foreperson claimed there was racial animosity and division that affected the verdict. Bent is black and Brewer is white.

Two other youths are serving prison time after pleading no contest to attempted murder charges.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Truthseeker - 10/18/2012 4:50 AM

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I guess there is no prejudice involved when the victim is white. No bias in this country's justice system...

nativejax - 10/17/2012 10:37 PM

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I don't think this young boy died from his burns though I do think he felt he was going to while it was happening. And I agree, had this been 3 white boys setting 1 black boy on fire, loudmouth Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton and Corrine Brown would be shouting from the rooftops inciting more hate in the name of 'injustices'.

Papakilo - 10/17/2012 2:48 PM

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Regardless of race, color, creed, or other bias. I believe the ring leader white, black or green, needs to die by the same means he delivered to the boy who was killed. Killing IS a serious crime, killing by burning them to death is far beyond a "civilized" act, and deserves the same crude justice....not a new trial. The death penalty sets an example as well as a punishment for those committing this sort of murder. Rehabilitation is not an option, it only serves as a potential "out" for those contimplating similar crimes. Our society has become too lenient and is at the verge of encouraging these crimes.

Realchange - 10/17/2012 2:23 PM

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Wonder how many riots would be going on if something like this came to light and the victim was black and white person had done this. Racial bias how so? This black man has two friends said they did it is he innocent? I be more concerne with the mother that went to jail firing a warning shot at man that has beat her in the past, than I would about retrial of black teens committing hate crimes and trying to get off.

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