LAS VEGAS (AP) - Eight Las Vegas high school students, aged between 13 and 17 years old, have been arrested on murder charges in connection with the beating death of their schoolmate, Jonathan Lewis Jr. The attack, which was captured on cellphone video and widely shared on social media, resulted in severe head trauma and other injuries that ultimately led to Lewis' death.

According to the police, the fight erupted over a pair of headphones and a vape pen, and the students had agreed to meet in an alleyway near Rancho High School in eastern Las Vegas to settle their dispute. The attack took place after school hours on November 1st.

Authorities arrested the eight students on Tuesday, suspecting their involvement in the murder. However, they believe that a total of ten students participated in the beating. In an effort to identify additional perpetrators, the police released images of two individuals taken from the cellphone video and asked for the public's assistance in identifying them. Officials have confirmed that these two students will also face murder charges.

As per Nevada law, teenagers aged 16 or older accused of murder are automatically transferred to the adult court system. Consequently, a family court judge transferred the cases of the four 16 or 17-year-old students to the adult court system on Wednesday. The remaining students, who are under the age of 16, will undergo certification proceedings to determine if they will also be charged as adults.

David Tanenhaus, a history and law professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, emphasized the importance of having a comprehensive process in place when dealing with homicide cases involving young defendants. Tanenhaus explained that the certification hearings provide an adversarial setting where arguments can be made for the defendant's potential for reform and their suitability for the juvenile justice system.

The video footage of the fight revealed that the victim, Lewis, had willingly participated in the altercation after taking off his shirt. However, he was swiftly overwhelmed by the group of students, who proceeded to kick, punch, and stomp on him. Detective Jason Johansson described the video as "very void of humanity" and noted that Lewis did not attempt to defend himself during the attack.

Following the brutal beating, Lewis was found unconscious and severely injured by a person in the vicinity, who then brought him back to campus. School staff promptly called 911, and homicide detectives were immediately assigned to lead the investigation due to the gravity of Lewis' injuries.

The arrested students have not yet been formally charged, and their identities are being withheld for the time being. The ongoing investigation will address the full extent of their involvement in the tragic incident.

This harrowing case has sparked conversations about the need for an effective system to handle homicide cases involving young defendants, highlighting the complexities and challenges of the juvenile justice system. As the proceedings unfold, legal experts and officials will determine the appropriate legal actions and consider the potential for rehabilitation for each of the accused students involved in this senseless act of violence.

The court appearance for the four minors who have been transferred to the adult court system is scheduled for Friday, where they will face charges commensurate with their alleged involvement in the death of Jonathan Lewis Jr.