Aaron Hill was identified as the autistic teen who was beaten in a video that’s going viral on Facebook.
According to WPTV in Florida, charges were filed against Andrew Wheeler, who allegedly punched and kneed the victim. The incident was captured on video and uploaded online.
A local detective recognized Wheeler as the assailant in the video.
Wheeler was charged with aggravated child abuse, and his bond was set for $200,000.
Evadean Dailey Lydecker, who was home when the beating took place, was also charged. Police said she knew that teenagers were drinking alcohol when she was home.
She was also charged with aggravated child abuse.
The video sparked the #JusticeForAaron hashtag on Facebook and Twitter, and it got the attention of “Breaking Bad” star Aaron Paul.
Paul reached out to the teen, saying, “Dear Aaron Hill, I am so sorry that this terrible tragedy has happened to you. I am at a loss for words. I don’t know you but my heart goes out to you and loved ones. Our door is always open to you and your family. Come out to LA and get away from it all and take a break. Let us take you to Disneyland or something. Our treat. Just let me know when it is good for you. Keep your head up. Your friend, Aaron.”
AP update: Florida teen jailed in attack on autistic boy
OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida teen is jailed on a child abuse charge after authorities say he beat up an autistic teen in an attack caught on video.
Police say the 16-year-old victim was at a party Aug. 8 when he was told to go outside and fight someone. When he refused, authorities say 18-year-old Andrew Wheeler was called and allegedly began beating him.
Police arrested Wheeler after reviewing a video circulating online.
The victim was brought to the hospital with injuries including a sprained neck and a concussion. But the charge against Wheeler says there was no “great bodily harm.”
A woman who lives at the home where the attack happened is also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Friends Read Free