Second suspect arrested in bat attack in LV park

Jen Lawson

Friday, Oct. 22, 2004 | 9:31 a.m.

Metro Police arrested a second suspect Wednesday in connection with a brutal baseball bat attack Sept. 16 in Shadow Rock Park that was caught on video by one of the victims.

Lizette Cervantes, 19, of Las Vegas was taken into custody after the Clark County district attorney's office issued a warrant for her arrest.

She is being held in the Clark County Detention Center on four counts of battery with a deadly weapon and one count of conspiracy. Her bail is $41,000.

Sgt. Chris Tomaino said Cervantes approached police after 18-year-old Elvin Avila was arrested Sept. 23. Detectives submitted the case to the district attorney's office, who approved the charges and issued the warrant.

"We had to review all the circumstances," Tomaino said, explaining why she was not arrested right away. "It doesn't show her acting on the videotape," so investigators had to go over Avila and the victims' statements.

After his arrest Avila gave police the names of several others who were involved in the attack. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of another woman believed to be involved but police have not yet taken her into custody.

Two of the four victims -- all young women -- were hospitalized for their injuries. One of the victims suffered hearing loss and a fracured skill. Another victim suffered cuts and broken bones.