Seven Chicago teens were arrested Wednesday in connection with the beating and robbery of a 17-year-old Chicago high school student after a YouTube video of the attack went viral.
Two 16-year-old boys and three 15-year-old boys were cited with juvenile delinquency petitions and were all charged with robbery and aggravated battery. The 15-year-old girl who police say recorded the video faced the same charges, Chief Detective Tom Byrne told the Associated Press.
Raymond Palomino, 17, was charged as an adult and held on $100,000 bail during a Wednesday hearing. He faced the same charges as the six juveniles.
The video, originally posted Monday on YouTube, showed the attackers punching the victim and kicking him in the head. The attackers were also recorded yelling racial slurs and swearing at the victim.
Chicago Police Cmdr. Patricia Walsh said the motive for the attack was a previous fight between the victim and the group of attackers. That altercation occurred in October.
The victim is identified as being of Asian descent, although police say the beating did not seem “racially motivated,” msnbc.com reported.
Police said the victim was treated for a lip laceration, bruises and abrasions. The attackers stole $180 in cash and the victim’s shoes.
Chicago’s police chief said the actions of the attackers are a part of a “national epidemic” of youth violence getting posted online.
– Alexandria Johnson
