Mikey Brewer Goes Face-to-Face With His Attackers

For the past year, Michael Brewer has talked little of the boys responsible for lighting him on fire over a video game.

On Friday, he looked at the three teens in the eyes in a Broward County courtroom as they rejected another plea deal, meaning the events that led up to the horrific crime will likely be played out during a highly publicized trial.

With Brewer and his family sitting in the courtroom, attorneys announced Matthew Bent, Denver Jarvis and Jesus Mendez have not taken deals that would avoid trial and a possible stiffer sentence if they are convicted of attempted second-degree murder.

Mendez, who prosecutors believe actually ignited Brewer, would be sentenced to 15 years in prison and 10 years probation under the plea deal. Bent and Jarvis would get 10 years of prison, followed by 10 years probation.

If convicted, each would face 30 years in prison.

Defense attorneys told a judge they would like even lighter sentences considering their clients' ages. The boys are currently being tried as adults.

The three 16-year-old boys, once friends of Brewer, allegedly doused their 16-year-old victim with rubbing alcohol and then lit him on fire at a Deerfield Beach apartment complex on Oct. 12, 2009.

Brewer has since endured a difficult and public rehab that included multiple surgeries and physical and emotional therapy, but doctors and family feel he is close to being the child he once was. He celebrated his birthday last Monday.

The recovered Brewer was at least mentally and emotionally strong enough Friday to come face-to-face with the trio for the first time since the attack. Brewer's mother, Valerie, and grandmother Reenie, were also in court Friday.