Deputies arrest teenagers accused of brutally beating trio of Marines
By Matthew Rodriguez
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SAN CLEMENTE, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Deputies in San Clemente have arrested multiple teenagers accused of brutally beating three Marines over the weekend.
The city’s Mayor Chris Duncan announced that Orange County Sheriff’s Department charged nine juveniles connected to the beating. Five of the suspects were charged with assault with a deadly weapon and admitted to juvenile hall. The four others were charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.
“They typically don’t take juveniles into custody for misdemeanors,” said Duncan. “They will go through the process out of custody.”
Duncan said that deputies have apprehended the main suspects connected to the case.
“They think they have the people they are looking for,” said Duncan. “Not to say that there might not be a few others out there. They feel pretty confident that they have the main perpetrators.”
The Marines said they were walking along the pier at about 9:50 p.m. Saturday when they asked a group of teens to stop shooting off fireworks. Hunter Antonino, one of the self-identified Marines who was attacked, said the trio was “stomped on” and beaten up by the circle of assailants.
Spectators thoroughly captured the brutal beating on video, which showed the Marines lying in the fetal position, desperately trying to protect themselves from an onslaught of kicks.
Investigators used that video to track down the teenagers involved.
“They had some videotape that wasn’t readily available to the public that had a lot better images of the individuals involved,” said Duncan.
Orange County deputies and the local school district worked together to cross-reference the images with school records to identify the suspects.
“In today’s age, you’re going to get caught — people are going to record it,” said Duncan. “I hope this serves as a learning lesson for young folks in the community not to let themselves get out of control when something like this happens.”
Deputies said that the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the case can call the department at (949) 425- 1956. Those wishing to stay anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
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