Burn victim speaks about incident

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Six months after an attack by classmates, a teenage burn victim spoke out about the horrific incident and his amazing recovery on national television.

Fifteen-year-old Michael Brewer, Jr., a former Deerfield Beach Middle School student, appeared on the "Today" show Tuesday morning and talked about his fateful brush with death.

On Oct. 12, Brewer was doused with alcohol and lit on fire in the area of 431 SE 13th Court, as some of his classmates stood by and watched. Reportedly, the altercation began over Michael's father's bicycle. Brewer described the incident. "Somebody poured something on me and lit me on fire. Then, I started running. This guy pulled me out of the water. I said, 'No. Leave me, leave me,' 'cause my skin was, like, hanging," he said.

Three teenagers have been charged as adults with attempted murder for the crime. Matthew Bent was accused of masterminding the crime and allegedly instructed Denver Jarvis to pour the alcohol on Michael so Jesus Mendez could light him on fire.

During Tuesday's interview, when asked if he felt any pain as a result of the incident, Brewer replied, "Just one side of me."

Michael recently visited fellow Deerfield Beach Middle School student Josie Ratley in the hospital, who had also suffered an attack at the hands of a South Florida student. On March 17, Ratley was nearly beaten to death at school over text messages she exchanged with 15-year-old Wayne Treacy. Michael spoke about the condition of his former school. "This school's terrible," he said. "I don't even know why I went to that school."

Brewer mentioned he appreciated all the well wishers who sent cards and letters to him from around the world while he was in the hospital. "I think that's the most thing that kept me alive, was all these prayers," said Michael.

On the "Today" show, Brewer revealed that he has already moved to Palm Beach County and will not deal with Deerfield Beach Middle students again. On Wednesday, Michael will begin attending a school in his new county. "I'm excited. I can't wait. I kind of miss school," said Brewer.

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