Teens in videotaped beating case make first appearance

These teens have been charged as adults in the beating.

POLK COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The Polk County teenagers allegedly involved in the tape of a 16-year-old girl being beaten made their first appearance in court Friday.

The judge doubled their bonds to more than $30,000.

Their ages range from 14-18 years old, but all are being charged as adults.

The video shows several girls punching and slapping Victoria Lindsay.

Two males have been charged as well because they allegedly acted as lookouts during the incident.

Deputies said the fight started over comments posted on the Internet.

All eight teens are facing kidnapping and battery charges. Three teens have an additional charge of witness tampering.

The kidnapping charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

In accordance with our Crime Guidelines Bay News 9 is identifying the teens charged in the case because they are being tried as adults.

Teens Charged in Beating and Bond Amounts

Brittany Mayes , 17
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $2,000 and Tampering $1,000

Brittini Hardcastle, 17
*Accused of being the most active participant in the beating

Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $5,000 and
Tampering $2,000

Mercades Nichols, 17
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $1,000 and
Tampering $2,000

April Cooper, 14
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $5,000

Cara Murphy, 16
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $1,000

Kayla Hassell, 15
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $1,000

Stephen Schumaker, 18
*Accused of acting as a lookout
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $1,000

Zachary Ashley, 17
*Accused of acting as a lookout
Charges: Kidnapping $30,000, Battery $1,000

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