A horrifying incident in the Seattle, Washington area involved two teens, aged 17, who are accused of luring a 14-year-old boy to a park, tying him to a tree, and severely injuring him in a brutal, gang-related attack. The events unfolded on December 17 when Everett Police responded to a call about a bloodied teenager showing up at a nearby home. The victim, who had sustained traumatic injuries, reported being ambushed and assaulted after being lured to Lions Park under the pretense of meeting a girl. This gruesome attack led to the arrests of Milo Canales and Hayden Lusebrink, both of whom were charged as adults.
The investigation revealed shocking details, including the possibility that the assault was a gang-related setup. The 14-year-old victim had been communicating with a girl on social media, who lured him to the park with promises of hanging out. Upon their arrival, the girl allegedly messaged others about their location, and the victim was ambushed by two masked individuals. The assailants forced him into a wooded area at gunpoint, stripped him of his clothing, and inflicted severe injuries, including carving the letter “N” into his chest. The girl reportedly drove away, leaving the victim to fend for himself.
Seattle Teens Charged in Brutal Gang-Related Attack on 14-Year-Old at Local Park
Despite his critical injuries, the victim managed to escape and seek help at a nearby home, where he rang the doorbell, covered in blood and struggling to breathe. The residents called 911, and the victim was quickly transported to the hospital. He provided details to the police, identifying one of his attackers as affiliated with the Norteños, a known gang with roots in northern California. The attack’s severity, coupled with the gang connection, has heightened community concerns about youth violence and gang activity.
The two suspects were arrested within a day of the attack. Canales was reportedly found with the victim’s bloody clothing, and his bail was set at $1 million due to the severity of the charges and a prior felony case from November. Lusebrink, whose bail was set at $300,000, was released after posting bond. Both suspects face charges of first-degree assault, robbery, and kidnapping. These developments have sparked debates about the adequacy of juvenile justice interventions, as Canales had been released from custody just weeks before the attack.
As the case unfolds, it has drawn significant media and public attention due to its brutality and the young ages of those involved. The victim’s survival is a testament to his resilience, but the incident underscores the dangers of gang-related violence and social media manipulation among teenagers. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of addressing youth involvement in gangs and ensuring community safety through stricter preventive measures and accountability.
