Midland teens accused of setting fire to youth - victim was willing participant - Re: "Jackass" Show

Associated Press ^ | July 18, 2002 | Associated Press Staff

[MeekOneGOP]

Midland teens accused of setting fire to youth

07/18/2002

Associated Press

MIDLAND, Texas - Three teenagers face assault charges after allegedly dousing a Midland youth with lighter fluid and setting him on fire in a videotaped stunt that the victim appeared to take part in voluntarily, officials said.

Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter said the videotape appeared to make reference to the MTV program "Jackass," a show featuring a series of strange and dangerous stunts.

"There was a mention made of 'Jackass' on the tape," he said Thursday. "I can't say for sure they were referring to that show, but they were simulating things that are done on that show."

Telephone calls placed to MTV's New York offices weren't immediately returned Thursday

Jonathan Perry, 17, remained in critical condition Thursday at University Medical Center in Lubbock with second- and third-degree burns over 60 percent of his body, officials said.

Eva Marie Cedillo, 17; Casey Tim Owens, 18; and Monroe Rathbone, 17, turned themselves in Wednesday to Midland authorities and were charged with aggravated assault causing bodily injury. They were released after posting $5,000 bail.

Painter and other officials have reviewed the videotape and said Perry apparently was a willing participant in the burning, which took place Sunday.

On the tape, Perry is completely covered in flames.

The investigation is continuing, Painter said.

"We believe we've got a good case," Painter said. "We're still investigating other kids that were present that may be criminally liable."

Despite the appearance that Perry cooperated, the youths actions are "clear-cut violations of the law," Painter said.

"A person can't give someone consent to violate the law," he said. "We looked at all the charges that could be filed. This is the one that most fit the facts and the evidence."

"Jackass" became an instant hit when it debuted in October 2000, featuring a series of pranks and stunts, including being doused with pepper spray, sitting in a portable bathroom as it was tipped over, and lying down on a barbecue in a fire-resistant suit hung with steaks.

But several young people were seriously injured trying to copy the stunts, prompting MTV to move "Jackass" to a later time slot and run disclaimers.

The show is no longer in production, but is still shown in reruns.

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Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/tsw/stories/txcn020718_cm_burn.1cb357e.html

[MeekOneGOP]

Gee, when I was a kid we use to watch Art Linkletter's
Kids Say The Darndest Things. What's changed since then?

[MeekOneGOP]

Ping a few Texans.............

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!

[Paul Atreides]

And to think that these are some of the people who will be caring for the aging Boomers.

[operation clinton cleanup]

If it feels good, do it!

[stands2reason]

"We believe we've got a good case," Painter said. "We're still investigating other kids that were present that may be criminally liable."

Better watch out, cuz Painter's on yer asses, kids!

[operation clinton cleanup]

"Jackass" became an instant hit when it debuted in October 2000

Just in time for the 2000 election!

[Dialup Llama]

How many people has the jackass show killed so far?

[discostu]

None. Idjits are idjits and will always find a way to do something stupid. Some might be getting their stupid ideas from TV, but if TV had never been invented they'd still be coming up with stupid ideas.

[skeeter]

How many people has the jackass show killed so far?

What MTV does to minds, Jackass does to bodies.

[MeekOneGOP]

Isn't it ridiculous? Every time I turn around, I hear about kids getting
injured or killed mimicking stunts from that show. Sheesh! I never watch
MTV. It's a stupid channel.

[archy]

How many people has the jackass show killed so far?

And is it sponsored by the makers of the new *SUX 2000* automobile? I'd give a dollar for that...!

[We REALLY could use a televised program of Darwin Award winners....]

-archy-/-

[TADSLOS]

Well, Midland can get a bit boring when school's out.

[operation clinton cleanup]

Good thing most states require kids to wear helmets..

[M_Man]

I gave up MTV a few years ago when I noticed there was very little M on MTV! Used to be great for TV Remote Pros- punch over to MTV during comercials, get music instead. Now Music is the smallest portion of their daily drivel.

[discostu]

Evil Knievil was my hero as a kid, and I sustained many an injury failing to jump my bike over stuff (immitating Knievil just a little too accurately). My mom never blamed him for me being stupid, she thought he was a good role model and bought me most of his toys, when I came home all busted up because discarded bricks and wood don't make very safe ramps she'd ask me why I was so dumb. She knew who was at fault, not the professional stunt man who's wrecks were legendary, the dumb kid who had memorized all those wrecks and should have known better. There's no way a 17 year old "kid" doesn't know being lit on fire is a bad idea, unless maybe he'd lived in a bubble and had never burned himself on anything before, it's not MTV's fault this kid left his brains in the bottom drawer one day.

[Djarum]

A Jackass:

...lying down on a barbecue in a fire-resistant suit hung with steaks.

A Dumbass:

...setting him on fire in a videotaped stunt that the victim appeared to take part in voluntarily...

[AppyPappy]

Yet another mere coincidence

[discostu]

Nothing coincidental about it. When the desire to do something "cool" over powers the brain bad things are gonna happen. Jumping stuff with my bike was fun... when it worked, without Knievel I'd have just had to find other ways to hurt myself.

[operation clinton cleanup]

Stupid is as stupid does..... I broke my wrist skate boarding down a steep hill and hitting a pebble at the bottom.. the skate board stopped, I didnt!

I learned an important lesson that day and it didnt involve the government.

[AppyPappy]

when it worked, without Knievel I'd have just had to find other ways to hurt myself.

Except you didn't. If this show had features white kids beating up black kids for fun, we wouldn't be discussing its "non-effect" in behavior.