Josie Lou Ratley's Accused Assailant Denied Bail
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CBS/WFOR) The 15-year-old accused of savagely beating and kicking Josie Lou Ratley into a coma with steel-toed boots will remain in jail until trial, a Florida judge ruled Thursday.
PICTURES: Josie Lou Ratley, Steel-Toed Attack Victim
Wayne Treacy appeared before the court to request bond, but prosecutors argued successfully that Treacy's alleged offense is so severe that he should not be granted bail.
Treacy is accused of punching and stomping Josie at the bus stop in front of her Fort Lauderdale middle school on March 17. Authorities said Treacy was incensed by a text message sent from Ratley's cell phone several hours before the attack. Treacy allegedly believed that Ratley called him a rapist for his friendship with 13-year-old Kayla Manson.
Josie spent two weeks in a medically induced coma and underwent several surgeries to reduce swelling on her brain before finally being released from the hospital and sent to a rehab center. She is living back at home now and has to relearn even basic tasks like brushing her teeth and getting dressed. She is able to walk and talk but has trouble using one of her arms. Her mother also said she has trouble remembering things and can't read.
PICTURES: Josie Lou Ratley, Steel-Toed Attack Victim
Treacy's defense lawyer is preparing to argue that his client was insane at the time of the beating, saying that one particular text from Josie referring to Treacy's brother who had recently committed suicide set Treacy off, according to CBS affiliate WFOR.
Treacy is facing an attempted murder charge and has pleaded not guilty. He could receive a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Kayla Manson has been charged with one count of accessory to attempted murder and has pleaded not guilty.
