Psychological Test Ordered for Teen in Florida Beatings

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 16 -- A judge on Monday ordered a psychological examination for one of two teenagers arrested in the fatal beating of a homeless man and a second beating that was videotaped by a surveillance camera.

Family members and their attorneys negotiated the Sunday surrender of Brian Hooks, 18, and a 17-year-old. They face murder charges in the death of Norris Gaynor, 45, and aggravated battery charges in the videotaped beating of Jacques Pierre, 58, police Capt. Michael Gregory said.

Circuit Judge Steven P. DeLuca ordered the younger man held for 21 days in juvenile custody and to undergo a psychological examination. Prosecutors have not decided whether to charge the 17-year-old as a juvenile or an adult.

A hearing for Hooks was delayed until Tuesday. Because of his age, he was charged as an adult. His attorney, Jeremy Kroll, said, "Brian's involvement is far more limited than has been speculated."

Authorities had said they received more than 100 tips after photos and video were shown nationwide of the attack on Pierre early Thursday on the Fort Lauderdale campus of Florida Atlantic University. They showed two males chasing and beating the homeless man with what appeared to be baseball bats.

Gaynor was killed a few blocks from where Pierre was attacked. He died from severe head injuries, authorities said.

In addition, the teenagers are suspects in the beating of Raymond Perez, 49, authorities said. That case remains under investigation, Gregory said.