A high school student in Las Vegas faces more than a dozen felony counts for allegedly sexually assaulting and attempting to murder his teacher during a confrontation over his grades.
Jonathan Eluterio Martinez Garcia, 16, is facing 15 charges in connection with a horrific attack on a high school teacher on April 7.
The student is accused of sexually assaulting and attempting to murder his teacher during a discussion over his grades.
The youngster faces four counts of attempted murder, seven counts of sex-crime-related battery, and counts of sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, and burglary.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said he was automatically charged as an adult due to the seriousness of the offenses.
Although the teacher’s identity has not been revealed, Clark County School District Superintendent Jesus Jara confirmed that the incident occurred at Eldorado High School.
During a debate over his grades, a student sexually assaulted and “got violent” with the teacher, “punching the victim and strangled her until she lost consciousness,” according to Las Vegas police.
Jonathan Eluterio Martinez Garcia fled the area and was discovered about a mile from the school. He was taken into custody without incident, according to police.
Garcia’s identity was not made public at the time, but that changed when he was charged as an adult.
According to Wolfson, one of the attempted murder charges is for attempted murder with a charging wire, while the other is for attempted murder with a pair of scissors.
Garcia’s lawyer, Paul Adras, requested Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure to order a mental health evaluation to establish the teen’s competency during a hearing Tuesday.
“I will enter a finding that doubt has arisen as to the competence of Mr. Garcia, and I will order these proceeding suspended until that questions is confirmed,” Bonaventure reportedly said.
The allegations are “an example of violent behavior” in schools, Wolfson said during a media release.
“This is a violent case, a violent act, so my job is to try and deter this behavior,” Wolfson further added. “My job is to send a message that we’re not going to accept this kind of violence in our schools.”
“I’m afraid about what’s gonna happen,” said Vicki Kreidel, a Clark County School District teacher. “I’m afraid for our students, and I’m afraid for the staff.”
Kreidel called for increased focus on safety in schools.
“Educator and student safety must be addressed NOW,” Kreidel posted on Facebook following the attack. “And if our Supt won’t do anything we need to stand together and demand it. I think this is something everyone can agree on. This is unacceptable!”
Kreidel is organizing a protest scheduled for Wednesday.
Garcia’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 6.
