What started as a dispute between boys over a $40 video game turned into one of the most horrific crimes imaginable as Michael Brewer, age 15, was soaked in rubbing alcohol and burned alive.  The five boys accused of the assault, ages 13-15, set Brewer alight after one of them got reported for attempting to steal Brewer’s father’s bicycle in retaliation for the game.  All this over $40.

As for Brewer, he’s fortunate be alive after having suffered burns over 65 percent of his body thanks to the quick (and hot) burning fluid poured on him. His quick thinking, by taking off his burning shirt and jumping into the apartment complex swimming pool, saved his skin (literally).  He’s still at risk of infection and has a long hospitalization in his future, but he’s alive and that’s what matters right now.

My question is this:  whatever happened to just beating someone up?  When did lighting them on fire become acceptable retaliation for anything short of murder or serious assault?  When did fire become so popular as a form of revenge?

Tags: boy burned by bullies, Michael Brewer, unusual crimes, boy burned over , assaults, burned alive, Deerfield Beach, Florida, burned alive over a video game

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