It's sad to see how miss guided 142 people can be. Just because Matthew Bent was once an alter-boy, and neighbors said he helped them with yard work, does not change the fact, that on the day of the attack on Michael Brewer, and in the preceding days, when he stole the bike, he was a bully and a heinous criminal. Just goes to show how dangerous he is to society, that he can con & fool so many people. Even if he was sincere with these people, he sincerely wanted to hurt Michael; and I believe he would have no misgivings, about doing it to others, if he is allowed to get away with this, or given a light sentence.

Those kids won't be laughing for long when they get to prison and become someone's "wife".

I have been following this story from the beginning and I am sorry Michael that you have had to go through this agony. I am very happy to see you are healing Michael.
Our laws need to be changed, the 5 boys that were involved need to have alcohol poured on them and set aflame. Our laws are too lenient. These are not children and they do not deserve to be treated as such. I feel such anguish that 142 people have the nerve to ask for leniency. I would sign with the 1000 people that want him tried as an adult.

Considering the small amount that signed the petition for them to be tried as juvies when compared to the original petition, I have a feeling that most people believe that these kids deserve adult sentences. This story was sad from the beginning. My first concern is that people get so angry when someone "snitches" on them. If you don't want to get in trouble for committing a crime, then don't commit the crime. I feel that people get way to angry when they get caught, as if it's someone else's fault that they are being punished for their own wrongdoing. That being said, these kids were probably raised to blame anyone else for their own problems. It's horrible that they burned someone because of something as petty as $40 and a bike. These kids and all of the other troubled children out there need to seek help before things like this happen. Once they reach the age of accountability, it's over. No more blame game.

Pathetic....the 142 idiots that signed the petition why don't we just line you fools up and set each of you on fire??? There is NO other alternative but to charge him as an ADULT,a juvenile crime is something like petty theft, criminal mischief, NOT SETTING HUMAN BEINGS ON FIRE AND PERSUADING OTHERS TO JOIN IN AND HELP! Its time to get tough on juvenile criminals, all these sociopath, psychotic little bastards people are raising today...they should of been aborted!

Where can I sign a petition to fry those little bastards??? Leniency my A$$.

Hang him from the highest tree in Florida

No need to speak like this. The boys deserve a lot of punishment, believe me...I agree with those who want them tried as adults. HOWEVER, the hatred you are speaking is what caused this incident in the first place!! Did you read what Michael's mother asked for? She wants violence between our children to end!!

This is complete and total crap. That kid deserves to be put away and charged as an adult in every facet of the case. What's going to happen when he actually has to deal with a problem bigger than a video game? Is he going to just murder people then and think its okay? These kids and parents are scumbags, it is ridiculous.

Race hate crime.

I am so glad that Michael will be home for Christmas while the little culprit bastards will be, I HOPE, no where near their family!! Maybe they can contact their parents from prison next year for Christmas, but as for this year, they deserve isolation and loneliness! That may be just what makes them cry. Thank you, God, for bringing Michael to his family just in time for Christmas. GOD BLESS!!

soory G in case you haven't noticed its only considered a race or hate crime if whites are the perps. its just an un fortunate thing if blacks do something just ask al and jessie. oh never mind they dont get involved in crimes against whitey. and i agree with georgia just fry the little bastards. color plays no part. black or white or shaded whoever did this needs to be punished hard as an adult

Follow this kid throughout his life and see if he turns out to be a habitual, professional criminal.... My money's on it. Laughing about it after they were arrested, and only began to show remorse on the advice of an attorney. Look at the hardcore mugshots of these future felons. All taxpayers pony up, we'll be paying to incarcerate them.

Don't use this case as an excuse to vent your racial frustrations. In H.S. I worked in a pediatric burn unit, so I fully sympathize with the child that suffered from this horrible act. I believe that these kids should get a very strong sentence if found guilty. But that doesn't mean it's RIGHT for me (or anyone) to think that the supporters of the accused are "idiots". And as far as "Hang him from the highest tree in Florida" and "just fry the little bastards", what kind of people say that?! And if you look into the case a little deeper than the three minutes you spent on this article, you will find that a couple of the accused are white children, so just toss the racial motives out please (http://bit.ly/933Hhn).
Learn from the parents of the victim (http://bit.ly/2Kxxvr). They speak of how ADULTS should teach kids not to let things escalate. Good advice for many of the commenter's on this page.
Happy New Year.

I think its a outrage that anyone would want a liener sentence 4 these boys....They must Learn that its not right,Not that they can do bad n get slapped on the hand.....This was a outrages crime,I dont want people like that in the same town as my children...

I avoided this story just because the original story outraged me so much. The story itself and some of the comments (the one saying they should let him die in particular). When I saw 142 people trying to get a more lenient sentence for the boys who did this, I didnt even want to read about it.

Im happy to see Michael is doing so much better, he looks like he is adjusting and is happy to be able to continue his long life ahead of himself.

I understand the church of Matthew would want a easier sentence for the boy, he was active in their church. When you know someone who has done something like this, you always want to see the good in them and you always make excuses to yourself because the truth is too hard to take.

Unfortunately, the truth is they could have killed this boy. All but one of the boys had no remorse for what they did. Why should the courts take it easy on them? They literally set a young kid on fire and watched him burn! (Over $40 dollars by the way, thank god he didnt owe them $100 they may have tried taking a limb.)

I think what a lot of people are forgetting, is if as a child this is what you are capable of what will you be capable of as an adult? Thats why being tried as an adult is a much more logical thing to do. A more severe sentence will help the boy see what he did was wrong, and you cant get away with what I see as attempt of murder.

Lets hope the 1,000 people who petitioned him to be charged as an adult sticks. The punishment should fit the crime.

Well said, Gina and Hey You Boneheads!
The church had its chance with this fool. They had no success. If they want another chance at the apple it should be from behind bars where they will have a captive audience.
Michael is doing very well. Much better than anyone anticipated. He's the real hero in this story and so are his family and all of his supporters. He will need that same support for a long time, as the healing process both physically and mentally will take that long. People should take cues from the family however, as to what he wants and needs, as too much attention from strangers can be quite frightening to anyone in a vulnerable position.

It's very sad that a boy that young can think of doing something that terrible to another person. It screams to me that this young man has potential kill anyone that he thinks has done him wrong. Really scary to think that he has'nt even grown up yet. What kind of man will he be. What kind of husband and father will he be. If he has the gutts to do this at a young age think of what he can do as a grown man. I can't really blame the parent but at the same time they must have known there was something brewing. Why didn't she take the time to squash it, to talk to her son before it even got that far. Church my ass. God has no race, if he did we would all look the same. Not much to figure out on that. My child was burned and I can tell you, it's something you NEVER EVER want to go through. The pain is something you can't even believe. The healing process is equally as painfull. The Bent boy needs to be taught that you don't solve anything in life by hurting people . What's next for him MURDER. NO, he knew what he did and he didn't care. I say try him as an adult. He comitted an adult act, and thought that he could get away with it because he was a minor. That burned boy will never ever be the same, not ever. He is going to look at himself as he grows in to a man and wonder who is going to want him looking like that. Young boys and girls think about those things. He will have to build and rebuild his self esteem every day of his life. I hope and pray he has a good support system. A burn victim has scars you can't see.

I've followed this tragic case since the beginning, (as often as I could stomach it,) and until just now I've seen NOTHING that has given me a shred of sympathy for the accused. I've seen it here, in the postings of "FuryOfFirestorm," "Georgia," and others.

This whole case sickens me, and I'm further sickened by some of the sentiments expressed here, made by posters who're cut from the same cloth as the perpetrators of this act, and every bit as thirsty for blood. I DO believe that the accused should be tried as adults. I DON'T believe they should be raped in prison, or "hung from the tallest tree" in this state or that one; and if I were to look into the hearts of those passing these judgments, I'd want a really big flashlight and a barf bag handy.

I believe that the accused, if convicted, should face a very harsh penalty for their actions, and I'm happy that I'm not in a position to decide what that should be. I'm happy, too, that I can look into my own heart and know that I wouldn't want a 15 year-old boy raped for any reason. There ought to be consequences for the cowardly miscreants who've made this, and other sickening remarks. I'd like to see them sentenced to stand on a busy street corner, (any busy street corner,) and spout this garbage aloud, in the light of day.

Poor Dude. That 911 call is enough to put the perps away for a long long time. Justice will be served. Please keep them away from society.

I'm interested to know what kind of harsh punishment. If he goes to the Home for boys till he's 21 do yu think that 5 yrs will teach him to be a good citizen? or do you think that would just be a bitter slap on the wrist, enough for him to say Hmmmmm. Either way he loses. He committed a horrible thing to another person, why because he is 16 does it make it any less of a crime. When I was 16 I knew there was a consequence for my actions, didn't you?. I knew that if I started a person on fire that something was going to happen to me. When you decide to take that chance, that is just what it is, so that leaves your punishment as a chance. You took that risk. So, now why is the punishment so hard you say. Because you took that risk knowing that what you were about to do was wrong but you did it anyway. Can't say I'd want to decide the fate of that young man either, but you don't know if he has a police sheet 3 pages long either or doesn't that matter, cause he went to church?

Leniency? For what should be prosecuted as a hate crime? Pathetic...

Leniency? For what should be prosecuted as a hate crime? Pathetic...

To all the people who try to act all high and mighty by saying they would never wish harm on a kid, even though they are a danger to society:

All of the kids should be locked away forever, I have no hope for any of them learning what they did was worng. Does someone actually have to learn that setting someone on fire is wrong? These kids need to be tortured, raped, executed, they deserve any bad thing that happens to them, and I would be happy to hear about it. A message needs to be sent that this is not normal or acceptable, if you try to kill someone your life is not worth saving. The world would be a better place had these punks never been born. Everyone who disagrees is exactly why these people exist, maybe someone would think twice about doing these kinds of things if they knew their lives would be hell afterwards, remember we are not talking about kids anymore we are talking about out of control subhumans that plague our society, its time we fought back or they will take over.

Every child can act appropriately around their parents and church. It's what they do when they are on their own that tells us about who they are. These boys showed everyone exactly who they were. They deserve to be tried as adults. They were well old enough to know better. The pain they caused this person is beyond comprehension. If that were one of my sons I'd let em be a man and take the consequences. I've told my kids from day one that you do the crime, you're gonna do the time. Accountability!!!

re: dog in the movie said -
to the one who actually had re: before it, not to dog in the movie said.

Before you judge him for his comment, I suggest you reread what he said. He said he fully believes these kids should be tried as adults. He is not disputing that at all. He just thinks its horrible to hear people saying they should be burnt or raped. Which, you can't really blame him for that can you?

I just want to say, Im am so proud to see that so many readers feel these boys should be tried as adults. In many cases on this site, because they are a minor there are people pleading their case and making excuses. Its good to see everyone together on this one. Michael didn't deserve what these boys did.

How did these kids come up with this sick idea to begin with?

What does race have to do with this crime? This was a horrible,horrible thing to do. The kids that committed the crime should be tried as adults no matter what color they are. Anyone who has just accidently touched something real hot knows what kind of pain that causes, these boys included. That they would have no more regard for a human life than what they showed is just scary. They show remorse now, it's a little too late. They aren't sorry they did the crime, but I bet they're real sorry they got caught! Their age be dammed, there are consequences for your actions and these criminals and all like them need to know it. If they continue to be free, God only knows what crimes they will committ in the future, but you can bet, they will do more!

Just figures it's the church that up to that. Religious people are the most lying 2 - faced hypocrites I know. The "reverend" (more like a reverence for $) probably made a lot of money in the deal. A lawyer and a reverend together. I can't think of more purely unethical combination.

leniency hell they knew wat they were doing when they did this, wat if they would have killed him then wat,they need to be treated as an adult and be charged with the highest charge allowed,no matter if the boys that did this went to church or not, they did a crime so let them do time for it,

I wanted to know what kind of harsh punishment. You either go to prison or to a home for boys, that is the choice. Rape happens in those places because they can, and get away with it. Nothing anyone can do about it. It happens to women and girls as well when they get locked up. I did misread what was said, Sorry. I just feel so strongly about being burned. The fire fighters have a special camp every summer for children who are burned. It is free. OMG, if you saw those kids it would make your heart pound in your chest.Starting someone on fire is a hurt that is everlasting for that burned person. I don't know, it's just so unreal that someone can do that. What really pisses me off the most is that it took 5 of them for one kid. What a coward. Can't fight his own battles, to afraid he might get his butt whipped. Well, it's just sad. I'm done with this, it's just too depressing. I hope justice is done.

No leniency ever should be given in a high profile case like this. This is why the State of California could not give Susan Atkins a compassionante release even though it cost us millions to keep her in hospice until the day she finally died.

Leniency sends a very wrong message that committing a crime is okay if you are young.

Long prison terms send the correct message that you must be held accountable for your actions.

California is another wacked state filled with lunatics, Hollywood, and illegals. It should be sliced off of America and sent adrift. Your views on justice are archaic at the very least. Go live in the 12th century.

this is fucking ridiculous. at 15 years old you know its not ok to set someone the fuck on fire. have you ever burnt yourself on the stove? you have to be tender in the shower for an entire week because it hurts to just get warm. they set this kid entirely on fire i mean come on these little bastards need to be in custody or better yet dead. let these kids fry, pun definately intended.

First of all it sickens me in hind sight when people say "he was a good kid, an alter boy," Oh yah and he also took part in ,ordered even, the burning of another human being over 40$. I am a mother and if micheal was my child they better had tried him as an adult 15 years old is old enouph to know fire is hot. Furthermore...who the hell wants these rotten lil bastards on the streets anytime soon around their children. Those fool's that sighned the petition should have to let these nightmare teens babysit their children.See if they still sing the same tune.

Sad that even 142 think this does not warrant a stiff sentence.
Michael will never get a reprieve..No Leniency for him, it's a lifetime sentence..
Spending 30 years behind bars is nothing compared to the lifetime Michael will spend in this body they gave him.
30 years in jail is a light sentence compared to that.

Obviously being an alter boy and going to church didn't even save this crap kid from trouble so nothing else will really. I say stick him in jail for life.

I watched The Story from the beginning. I am an older guy I cried. Look what happens when you mix integrate or whatever.... Look at FBI stats God this makes me mad but you know the young white kid will be yes will be Raped repeatedly in prison. I hope his lawyer tells him to cop a deal he will not do well. better yet God help them all. To the VICTIM Michael I will pray for you often. HEY BRENTS LAWYER you are a worthless scum

Bob,
They gonna' fry. We'll have a little tween gangsta' wannabee chairbroil.

Hey Pete,

Would you mind taking my obnoxious comments (the one directly above) off if you're going to take the obnoxious ones I replied to off. That makes me look bad when people can't see why I wrote it. What do you have against me? I was having the crap tormented out of me with the name calling and the foul, filthy comments. I don't start that stuff.

the kids need to be tried as adults, need to rot in prison, their lives are worthless they do not value human life, get them off the streets and insure they do not breed....they are going to get pounded in the slammer...they will deserve it....if i was the kids father who got burnt the mother/father of the kids doing the crime would be sweating bullets....

Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.

okay so i could go on about sorting whats wrong from right but hey what the heck . those boys deserve prison . most people cannot imagine what it like to be set on fire or even touch a hot stove for a second . so im sure all of us have at least once stepped into a bath tub with hot water , or the shower , or even a jacuzzi . well you get what i mean if you've felt that . michael looks and sounds like a good person . he shouldn't deserve this ! and all for fourty dollars and a bike . jerks ! im sure all of you karate people have heard of carpet burn or have actually had it . im sure youve freaked out over haveing to see your skin scraped right off , trust me i know . but really to set someone on fire is just wrong ! those boys deserve whatever comes to them since they can't get it through their heads that setting someone on fire is not okay . especially not with the crap in their heads their parents don't even bother to help with . i'm a parent of a teenage daughter . she's only eleven in sixth grade and she tells me stories of how the people that are in her school which by the way is in HIGH CLASS SAFE AREA talk about gays , lesbians , rape , and etc. i rest my case here . just remember my point is to put those boys in prison for life and to help understand michael's situation .

I just love the way they toss in the alter boy crap. Ever hear of Jim Jones? Kids nowadays aren't afraid of retribution for their acts of stupidity, parents aren't allowed to spank any more. I grew up with the switch and belt, and i'm glad i did. I learned to respect my parents at an early age. These boys need to be held accountable for what they did.

i dont know why everyone keeps saying its over a $40 dollar video game. cause its not.

lbaby, please enlighten us then, what was it about?