Three teens accused of assaulting teen with autism, lighting his hair on fire
NEW HAMPSHIRE (CNN) – Three 19-year-olds in New Hampshire have been indicted by a grand jury on accusations they assaulted another teen, lit his hair on fire and threatened his life.
Police said the incident was recorded on video by others who watched it all unfold. In court documents police describe the 18-year old victim as having a low-level autism disorder and as having visual bruising when he and his mother reported the incident the next day.
Victim statements allege that Isreal Rivera quote, “he hit me in the face three times, twice on each side and once on the chin. after that I was completely humiliated, most of the people at the house were spitting on me, physically abusing me, flicking ash in my hair, kicking me and making me admit crimes I did not commit.”
19-year olds Paul Dustin and Brandon Lemieux also charged with simple assault, the victim says his iPhone was taken and said in a statement the victim said: “I was told that at if at any point I left, I would be put in the hospital and then a body bag.”
Documents also indicate video evidence, a detective saying “Izzy can be seen punching him in the face with a closed fist while several other people are filming and laughing.”
All three suspects are free on bail at this point, their cases will be tried separately.