MOUNT VERNON — A 19-year-old Mount Vernon man pleaded not guilty April 1 for allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old boy in an unprovoked fight that was captured on video.
Justyn Harris was charged with two counts of first-degree misdemeanor assault after prosecutors received a cell phone video allegedly showing Harris punching and kicking the boy into unconsciousness. The video was filmed during a sleepover party at the West Pleasant Street home of 42-year-old Shirley Ward.
According to the police report, the 15-year-old was assaulted a second time the same evening, although that attack was not recorded. A second victim, the 12-year-old brother of the first victim, was also allegedly slapped by Harris during the night.
According to the police report, at least nine juveniles aged 12 to 16 were present at the party, some of whom were consuming alcohol at the time of the alleged assault.
The first assault occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 21. Witness statements given after the incident corroborate that Harris, as well as at least four other juveniles, had been drinking beer during the evening and the attack was unprovoked. The victim stated that during the beatings he was called a Mexican and other slurs in reference to his Hispanic heritage, according to a report filed by MVPD Cpl. Mark Perkins.
Harris is scheduled for trial on May 21 and remains free on bond. If convicted and sentenced consecutively he could face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Ward pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of persistent disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended on the condition she commit no similar offense and complete two years of reporting probation. Charges are still pending against at least two other teenagers for allegedly encouraging the attacks, as well as a relative of Ward’s for aiding a juvenile in a curfew violation.
