Michael Brewer New Pictures: Teen's Remarkable Recovery After Being Set on Fire
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (CBS/WFOR) With each passing week, Michael Brewer, the Florida teen who was set on fire by bullies, continues to make a remarkable recovery.
PICTURES: Michael Brewer's Remarkable Recovery (WARNING: Some Graphic Content)
The 15-year-old's grandmother released new photos of the teen at a family picnic Sunday, to CBS affiliate WFOR. In the pictures, a smiling Michael is wearing a baseball glove, his blue burn suit visible under his t-shirt.
In Oct. 2009, Michael was allegedly doused in rubbing alcohol and set on fire by classmates. Fifteen-year-old Jeremy Jarvis, Matthew Bent, also 15, and Jesus Mendez, 16, have all been charged as adults with attempted second degree murder in the attack.
PICTURES: Michael Brewer's Remarkable Recovery (WARNING: Some Graphic Content)
Police say a dispute over $40 is what led to the altercation. The accused boys each face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Michael, who suffered burns on two-thirds of his body, still wears a burn suit to help protect his body against infection and to shield it from wounds. He has a tremendous amount of scar tissue and is often in pain.
In recent weeks, Reenie Brewer, the boy's grandmother, has used the attack on her grandson to address parents on the problem of teen-on-teen violence and violence in schools.
"The best thing they can do is to look in their own backyard and make sure that everybody understands that it's not OK to hurt anyone else," said Reenie Brewer to WFOR. "Teen violence is a problem, not just an incident."
Story Contributed by CBS Affiliate WFOR
MEDIA
PICTURES: Michael Brewer's Remarkable Recovery: (WARNING: Some Graphic Content)
MORE ON CRIMESIDER
January 5, 2010 - Michael Brewer, Florida Teen Set on Fire, Back in Hospital
December 23, 2009 - Christmas Miracle: Michael Brewer, Teen Set on Fire, Goes Home for the Holidays
December 14, 2009 - Michael Brewer Court Docs: "Pour it On Him," Teen Said Before Alcohol-Soaked Boy is Lit on Fire
December 7, 2009 - Michael Brewer, Boy Burned by Bullies, Gets New Skin Graft
November 25, 2009 - Michael Brewer Was "Best Friend" Says Boy Originally Accused of Helping Set Teen on Fire
November 20, 2009 - Michael Brewer's Parents: Boy Burned by Bullies Still Asks for Water to Douse Flames
November 11, 2009 - Michael Brewer Case: Mom Apologizes for Son Who Allegedly Set 15-Year-Old on Fire
October 23, 2009 - Michael Brewer, Boy Burned by Bullies, Getting Better
October 16, 2009 - Boy Burned By Bullies, Michael Brewer's Horrifying 911 Call
October 15, 2009 - Boy Burned by Bullies, Mother Says Michael Brewer Staying Strong