A press conference addressing the condition of Josie Ratley, the 15-year-old girl who was beaten into a coma by 15-year-old Wayne Treacy two weeks ago, was scheduled today at Broward Medical Center, where Ratley has been since the horrific after-school incident.
However, the Ratley attorney announced that Josie's mother, who was supposed to be in attendance, was physically and emotionally exhausted and wanted to be by her child's bedside.
Yesterday, Josie's condition was listed as critical yet stable, though a high fever prevented doctors from taking her out of a medically induced coma.
Today, however, it was announced that in addition to still being in a coma and not being able to breath on her own, she also has pneumonia and the left side of her brain is showing signs of damage.
Treacy was arrested in the brutal attack, which was allegedly revenge for a text message Ratley had sent him about his brother who had committed suicide.
Police said Ratley was punched, knocked to the ground and had her head repeatedly slammed on the concrete by Treacy, who stomped on the girl with his steel-toed boots.
Prosecutors said Treacy will be charged with premeditated attempted murder.
Photos of Ratley, released by her family, have shown her in her hospital bed, her head severely swollen and bruised from the beating.
Ratley has already had surgery on her skull to relieve pressure and prevent internal bleeding inside her head.
Donations can be made online at ForTheInjured.com or make checks out the Josie Lou Ratley Fund and drop off at any Wachovia Bank or the Gordon & Doner Office located at 4114 Northlake Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
