Willows teen pleads guilty in school beating

The 17-year-old Willows High School student pleaded guilty Thursday in Juvenile Court to beating a younger classmate in October, authorities confirmed.

The 17-year-old, whose name is withheld because he is a minor, admitted to a felony charge of assault with means likely to produce great bodily injury, Assistant District Attorney Dwayne Stewart said Friday.

The teenager faces a maximum sentence of four years in a juvenile facility, Stewart said.

The Willows teen is due back in court Jan. 8 for disposition, which is the juvenile version of sentencing, Stewart said.

The conviction stems from an Oct. 28 incident at the Willows High School gymnasium.

The 17-year-old reportedly became involved in a fight with 15-year-old Dalton Day just after school ended for the day, police said. Conflicting reports said the fight was sparked by either an argument over another female students or comments made regarding the accused's family members, authorities said.

Day reportedly confronted the older boy outside the gym and was punched in the face and head multiple times without returning any punches himself, police said.

Day was taken to Glenn Medical Center where he reportedly underwent emergency dental surgery to repair his braces, authorities reported.