FORT LAUDERDALE — The trial of a South Florida teenager accused of orchestrating a burning attack against a middle school classmate will resume this week.
A broken air conditioner at the county courthouse delayed the trial Friday. Testimony is expected to continue Monday in the case of 17-year-old Matthew Bent. He's accused of attempted second-degree murder in the October 2009 attack on Michael Brewer, who was then 15.
Bent could get 30 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors say Bent offered another boy money to pour rubbing alcohol on Brewer. A third boy set him ablaze with a lighter. Those two pleaded no contest and are serving prison time.
The attack came after Bent and Brewer got into a dispute over money and Bent's alleged attempt to steal a Brewer family bicycle.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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