Three young people -- one as young as 11 -- have acknowledged their roles in attacking and robbing several pedestrians in downtown Philadelphia.
The trio admitted to allegations including robbery, conspiracy, rioting and assault in connection with the mob attacks on July 29.
The admissions made in Family Court on Thursday are the equivalent of guilty pleas. Judge Kevin Dougherty characterized the trio's actions as “hunting humans for sport.”
The judge ordered two defendants, a 17-year-old and 16-year-old, to remain in state custody. The 11-year-old will remain under house arrest in the custody of his grandmother.
Philadelphia's mayor and police chief have ordered a crackdown and curfew for teenagers in an effort to curb recent mobs -- referred to by many as flash mobs -- of young people responsible for random attacks and property damage.
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