Quarterback to Be Tried as an Adult in Fatal Beating
The star quarterback at Littlerock High School in the Antelope Valley was ordered Friday to stand trial as an adult in the beating death of an 18-year-old man, prosecutors said.
Richard Newton, 17, has been charged with murder in the death of Christopher O’Leary, who police said was attacked by several football players during a May 19 fight at a Littlerock party. O’Leary died three days later.
Two of Newton’s teammates, 17-year-olds Marcus Raines and Rodney Woods, face the same charges.
Police said O’Leary was picking up his girlfriend from the party when he was punched in the face by Newton. O’Leary was allegedly kicked in the head by Raines, a top linebacker.
Woods also allegedly participated in the beating.
Prosecutors also have charged the defendants with assault in a second fight involving a 22-year-old at the party. A fourth member of the football team, a 17-year-old, has been charged with assault in that incident.
Los Angeles County Juvenile Court Judge Morton Rochman ruled Newton should be tried as an adult, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Alan Yochelson. The judge is expected to decide in September whether Raines and Woods should face trial in adult court, Yochelson said.
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