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Teen In Michael Brewer Case Asks For Bail

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - A Deerfield Beach teen accused of taking part in setting Michael Brewer on fire wants out of jail on bond.

On Wednesday an attorney for 16-year Matthew Bent attended a hearing to ask for bond for a criminal offense where bail is usually withheld. His client Bent, along with two other teens, 16-year old Denver Jarvis and 17-year old Jesus Mendez, have been charged with attempted murder for the October 2009 attack on Brewer.

During the proceeding the attorney asked the judge to set bail at $20 thousand. Prosecutors countered that if the judge decided to set bond, it should be $250 thousand because of the nature of the circumstances.

The attack occurred in October 2009 when the then 15-year old Brewer was doused with rubbing alcohol and set on fire.  The trio reportedly set Brewer on fire after an argument over a video game and a stolen bike. He survived by jumping into a nearby swimming pool. He suffered burned over 60-percent of his body. He spent months rehabilitating at Jackson memorial Hospital Burn Center in Miami.

The judge held off on making a decision and may rule next week during the next hearing date.

Bent, Mendez and Jarvis remain in jail charged as adults. Each faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

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