Mother of Fla. teen set on fire says son suffers from nightmares; praises his determination

Mother: Teen set on fire suffers from nightmares

MIAMI — The mother of a South Florida teen doused with rubbing alcohol and set on fire says her son suffers from nightmares and won’t be returning to the family’s old neighborhood.

Valerie Brewer, whose son Michael was discharged from the hospital Tuesday, praised her son’s determination at a news conference in Miami on Wednesday.

On his first night home, the 15-year-old watched television with his family and spent time outdoors.

Three teens have been charged as adults with second-degree attempted murder in the Oct. 12 attack, in which Michael was left with burns over 65 percent of his body.

Michael must return to the hospital five times a week for physical therapy. His doctor says a long-term prognosis likely won’t be known for at least another year.