Family talks on teen's arrest in attack

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A star on the basketball court at Riverside High School appeared in court Tuesday for the home invasion robbery and assault of 96-year-old Levi Clayton.

Sources say 18-year-old Justice Feggans and others who allegedly broke into Clayton's east side home in November were looking for drug money. Clayton, a WWII veteran, was severely beaten and is still recovering from his injuries, including a broken jaw.

Clayton's friend Rufus Goree said, "He'll never be a hundred percent, you know. I mean, this thing just shattered our lives."

The house had been raided by Buffalo Police last Spring. A woman also living in the house was arrested for drug possession. Clayton was said to be unaware of any drugs in his home.

So far, Feggans is the only one who has been arrested in the break-in. His parents say he has admitted to his role in the break-in, but says he had nothing to do with the severe beating of the WWII veteran.

Feggans' grandmother, Louise Salamone, said, "I believe strongly that Justice tells the truth when he says that he no contact with Mr. Levi (Clayton) in his involvement."

Feggans' mother says her son has held on to childhood friends, who have turned to lives of crime. His parents say they had moved from their old neighborhood, which had become "drug infested and gang infested."  But they said their son held onto his old friends. They said 10 of those friends have been murdered in the last three years.

"He has allowed his social network to drag him down," said Janice Feggans.

The break-in was captured on surveillance cameras on the house. Feggans' family is hoping he will fully cooperate with authorities.

Janice added, "I'm praying for the family and Mr. Levi (Clayton) that he is ok, and that he does recover quickly."

The case against Feggans will go to a grand jury.