Juveniles allegedly beat man in Lynn, Mass.

(NECN: John Moroney, Lynn, Mass.) – The family of a Guatemalan immigrant allegedly beaten by a group of teens is very upset tonight. That’s because the teens accused in the crime may be playing Pop Warner football. 30-year-old Damian Merdia – a native of Guatemala – is recovering from a savage beating, allegedly at the hands of six juveniles from Lynn, Massachusetts. The suspects, ranging in age from 11 to 14, are said to be members of the East Lynn Bulldogs – this Pop Warner Football team. They’re accused of attempted murder and civil rights violations after allegedly beating the victim with rocks, sticks and bottles when they the found him sleeping near a set of railroad tracks. Nanci Pie is a friend of the Merdia’s family and is now helping them raise money to help cover medical expenses. Merdia – who is not a legal U.S. resident suffered massive head injuries, internal damage and broken bones. The attack occurred July 22. But this week: the Lynn Daily Item reported that at least three of the suspects were taking part in pre-season practice wearing ankle monitors. The league will not comment on any of the players because of their age. The president did issue a statement Wednesday … Saying in part: “I want to assure the families and friends of the program that the program is in compliance with Pop Warner rules and regulations, and that the mission of the program is in tact.”