More Serious Charges Brought Against Teens Accused Of Beating Mentally Challenged Del. Man
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- More charges have been filed today against three juveniles charged with the assault of a 26-year-old man who suffers from a neurodevelopmental disorder.
The teens were arrested earlier this month and charged with Offensive Touching, Assault of a Vulnerable Adult and Conspiracy in the 3rd degree after a viral video on social media showed a group beating the victim, slamming him to the ground and kicking him as he pleads for them to stop.
Attorney General Beau Biden says, "It is our responsibility to protect people who cannot protect themselves. Targeting and assaulting a vulnerable victim is especially egregious and those who do so face significant consequences under the law. Every parent needs to talk with their children about this incident and how to prevent these types of crimes."
Upon further investigation, Biden's office brought the following additional charges against each of the juveniles through a petition filed in Family Court: Hate Crime, Crime Against a Vulnerable Adult, Conspiracy in the 2nd Degree, Abuse of an Impaired Adult, Conspiracy in the 3rd Degree, Harassment and Assault in the 3rd degree.
One of the juveniles has also been charged with two additional counts of Hate Crime and Crime against a Vulnerable Adult, along with one additional count of Harrassment, Offensive Touching and Abuse of an Impaired Adult.
Authorities say the three teens will be arraigned in Family Court on the new charges and bail will be reviewed.
An investigation is ongoing.
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