Youth suspects in beating death of Las Vegas high-schooler get sweetheart plea deal, charges downgraded to juvenile manslaughter

Four teens who had been charged with the murder of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis at Rancho High School in Las Vegas and slated to be tried as adults have accepted a plea deal that would see the four charged with voluntary manslaughter and serve time in juvenile detention.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, attorneys announced on Thursday in a hearing that 16-year-old Treavion Randolph, 16-year-old Dontral Beaver, 17-year-old Gianni Robinson, and 18-year-old Damien Hernandez are facing an undetermined length of imprisonment at a juvenile detention center.

Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani said, "If for any reason it does not work out down in juvenile court or someone backs out, the offer is contingent on everyone’s acceptance." He added that if anyone backs out of the deal, all four of the suspects will be facing charges as adults once again.

The four teens had been charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit battery over the death of Lewis. A total of nine teens were arrested in connection with Lewis’ death.

A group of teens was seen on camera swarming Lewis in an alley near Rancho High School. Lewis was reportedly stomped on, kicked, and punched until he fell unconscious. He was found unresponsive and was brought back to the school. 

Lewis was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He was placed on life support and passed away six days later as a result of the injuries.

Defense attorney Robert Draskovich, who is representing Robinson in the case, said he will argue for Robinson to be released on credit for time already served in custody. "We don’t anticipate this being on my client’s record as an adult," he said.