Four high school students in Texas have been accused of kidnapping and torturing a classmate in an elaborate scheme.
The suspects have been identified four 17-year-olds and have been charged with first-degree aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon. It is not currently clear if they are being tried as adults.
The alleged incident took place on February 19 when the victim left Del Valle High School with three of the suspects, according to CBS Austin. Investigators said that the group went to a gas station across the street before they drove to a home.
The teens reportedly told the victim that they were going to get pizza, according to affidavits viewed by the outlet. However, they were actually going to the home, where a fourth suspect was waiting for them.
Once the group got to the home, they entered a detached garage and began the alleged attack. One suspect held a gun to the back of the victim’s head, while the others restrained him with duct tape as they bound his hands and feet and covered his mouth, per the affidavits.
The victim was then allegedly beaten with aluminum bats, a walking cane and a belt as the suspects took turns holding him at gunpoint, according to investigators. The victim also told authorities that he was repeatedly threatened during the incident and believed the group was going to kill him.
Additionally, the victim said that his attackers burned him and forced him to drink alcohol.
One of the suspects also allegedly recorded the assault, per the affidavits.
Investigators say the suspects told the victim they attacked him due to an incident that involved a girl. They also reportedly warned him not to contact police and threatened to harm him and his family if reported the assault.
The suspects eventually released the victim and dropped him off at another location. He then later reported the incident to authorities.
Investigators took photos of the victims’ extensive injuries, which included bruising and contusions across his back, chest and legs.
While speaking to authorities, one of the suspects admitted to planning and carrying out the attack. The suspect told investigators that the assault had been discussed and planned about a week before it happened.
In addition to the aggravated kidnapping charge, court records indicate that one of the suspects is also facing a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Students at Del Valle High School have been left in shock following the alleged attack.
“I thought it was insane,” one student told the outlet. “Especially at our school… We never have anything super crazy like that.”
It’s not currently clear if any of the suspects have entered pleas or retained legal counsel. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the arrests.
