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Michael Brewer, Boy Burned by Bullies, Getting Better

(MySpace Photo)
MySpace Photo: Michael Brewer.

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Michael Brewer, the South Florida boy who was set on fire by a group of teens is showing improvement, according to doctors who are treating him for severe burns.

Brewer, 15, is being treated at a burn center jointly run by the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida. The center director said Thursday the teen's wounds have not become infected, which is a common complication in severe burn cases.

However, Dr. Nicholas Namias says Brewer's condition can change any time. The first of many surgeries to repair the boy's skin was performed Monday. Doctors cut away damaged sections and replaced them with skin grafts from cadavers.

Five teens have been charged with aggravated battery in the attack earlier this month at a Broward County apartment complex. Authorities say they were retaliating in a quickly escalating dispute over a video game.

MORE ON CRIMESIDER
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

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