Parents of Wakefield High assault victim 'outraged'

DJ Merwitz, 15, had to be rushed to a hospital after the fight Monday at Wakefield High School. The assault happened in a hallway at about 7 a.m.

“The first thing somebody said to me when they saw my son (was), 'Was he in a car accident?' I said, 'No, he was brutally beaten at a high school,'” said Dave Merwitz, the victim's father.

Merwitz suffered multiple fractures to his face, a broken nose and a concussion and required five stitches above his right eye. His parents say he will need reconstructive surgery.

"It's a nightmare. You always want to switch spots with your child. You never want to see your child in pain,” said Irene Merwitz, the victim's mother.

According to an arrest warrant, DJ Merwitz was picked up, thrown to the floor, then punched and kicked numerous times in the face. 

Three classmates have been arrested in the beating.

On Monday, authorities charged Tyree Lee, 17, with assault inflicting serious injury.

"I am disappointed that it happened on the school grounds, because you assume that is where your kid will be safe,” Dave Merwitz said.

DJ Merwitz said he is embarrassed and ashamed that he wasn't able to defend himself during the assault. His parents say they want something done about school violence so similar events do not happen again.

"I want these kids who did this to my son to pay,” Dave Merwitz said.

WRAL News talked with Lee's grandmother Tuesday evening. She said Lee claims he is the real victim and that Merwitz started the fight.