Judge rejects new trial for teen

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The alleged ringleader in a fiery 2009 attack on a teenager by middle school classmates will not get a new trial based on claims of jury misconduct, a judge ruled Monday.

Circuit Judge Matthew Destry said allegations made by some jurors about racial animosity and turmoil during deliberations did not rise to the level of misconduct that warrants a new trial. The judge previously denied a new trial motion by lawyers for 18-year-old Matthew Bent based on the original trial judge’s decision to step aside from the case before Bent was sentenced.

Bent was convicted in June of aggravated battery in the attack on Michael Brewer, who was doused with rubbing alcohol and set on fire. Two other teenagers pleaded no contest to attempted murder charges and are serving prison sentences. Bent faces a maximum 15 years behind bars.

Brewer, who survived after leaping into an apartment complex swimming pool, suffered severe burns over two-thirds of his body but has largely recovered.
Defense attorney Johnny McCray is still pursuing an attempt to convince the judge to acquit Bent based on insufficient evidence that he knew in advance that the others would pour alcohol on Brewer and flick a lighter.

Destry set a Nov. 2 status hearing in the case. If this last motion is also denied, Bent could be sentenced by the end of the year.