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Michael Brewer Case: Mom Apologizes for Son Who Allegedly Set 15-Year-Old on Fire

(MySpace Photo)
Photo: Michael Brewer.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CBS/AP) "You would never imagine in a million years that your child would even have something to do with that," said the mother of one of three teens accused of setting 15-year-old Michael Brewer on fire, reports the Sun Sentinel.

"We are very, very sorry for what has happened to this little boy, Michael Brewer," said Cheri Bent, who spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday.

(CBS/BSO)
Photo: Matthew Bent.

Cheri Bent described her son, Matthew, as a helpful teen who would mow neighbors' yards, volunteer at church yard sales, did his homework and was an avid basketball player, the local paper reports.

Matthew Bent is one of three teens charged with one count each of attempted second-degree murder in connection to the Oct. 12 attack on Michael Brewer in Deerfield Beach, Fla. that was allegedly sparked by a disagreement over a video game that Brewer took but did not pay for, and a bike that the accused took as revenge.

According to the Broward County State Attorney's office, Denver Jarvis, 15, is accused of pouring rubbing alcohol on Brewer.

Jesus Mendez, 16, is accused of lighting Brewer on fire, and Bent is accused of directing the attack.

Brewer has remained hospitalized in critical condition, recovering from second and third-degree burns over two-thirds of his body.

More at Sun Sentinel

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