"It caused such tremendous force that it didn't just break the outer layer of bone, but the inner layer," said Wake District Attorney Colon Willoughby.
Prosecutors say Tyree Lee was hitting students in the hallway with a tennis ball. After being hit twice with the ball, prosecutors say Merwitz confronted Lee and that's when Lee began punching him.
According to prosecutors Conley then jumped in and began kicking Merwitz. The beating left Merwitz needing reconstructive surgery on his face.
Tyree Lee's case has not yet come to court. A third suspect, 16-year-old Stephen Wilson-Chism also pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact.
Reportedly, he switched shirts with Lee after the beating to help him avoid being identified. Wilson-Chism was given credit for time served and is now on probation.
