A black teenager accused of orchestrating an attack that left his classmate in flames has been convicted of aggravated battery after jurors decided against more serious charges

Matthew ‘Zeke’ Bent faced a charge of attempted second-degree murder after prosecutors say that he offered friends money in 2009 to harm Michael Brewer, who was doused in rubbing alcohol and set on fire in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The six jurors, who deliberated for just over a day, had the option of finding him guilty of a lesser offense. Brewer suffered severe burns over 65% of his body but survived after leaping into an apartment complex swimming pool. Bent and two other teens were charged with second-degree attempted murder, which carries a prison sentence of as many as 30 years. Denver ‘D.C.’ Jarvis, 17, and 18-year-old Jesus Mendez pleaded no contest earlier and were sentenced to eight and 11 years behind bars, respectively. Bent faces a maximum term of 15 years at his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2012.