Video Leads to Four Arrests in Tiger Bay State Forest Bonfire Beating

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Two additional arrests have been made in connection with a violent beating captured on video at a bonfire party in Tiger Bay State Forest, bringing the total number of people in custody to four, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said all four suspects face enhanced felony charges. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he believes authorities have identified and arrested everyone involved in the attack.

“When I first saw it, the first reaction was I want to throw up. You’re beating an individual that basically has one arm is what you’re doing and some other issues. And you think it’s cool. I don’t — I don’t — I don’t get it,” Chitwood said.

Chitwood said the assault took place during a bonfire gathering in Tiger Bay State Forest and continued for roughly 30 to 40 minutes. The victim is 19 years old.

“He has some physical disabilities, goes to a bonfire party with a friend. He’s pretty shy. He doesn’t really know anybody. He doesn’t want to participate. Eventually he does. And then you saw where these morons — actually, we’ve dubbed them scumbags of the week — they decide that is going to be a really good idea to beat somebody down who can’t defend themselves,” Chitwood said.

The attack was recorded and shared on Snapchat. Cody Stripling, 18, and Sebastian Bowers, 19, were the first suspects identified and arrested. Logan Levesque, 18, and Casey Knight, 19 — whom deputies identified as the person who recorded the video — were later arrested and face the same charges.

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“You have a duty to intervene, but you want to be a cameraman. You want to get clicks and you want to film your punk coward ass friends. You’re going to get the same treatment that they’re going to get,” Chitwood said.

According to investigators, the suspects said the victim had made a comment about a woman at the party. Deputies said he suffered a concussion and several minor injuries.

“How did you raise your kid that this is a good thing and no one trying to stop it, right? Nobody intervenes. They beat him down, they film it and they’re laughing. And then eventually, his friend is able to get him out of there. And then they waited a day before mom calls us,” Chitwood said.

All four suspects remain jailed without bond.