Hurt wrestler, 16, to stay in custody of county

Delaware County child welfare officials will keep temporary custody of a 16-year-old Chichester High School student who suffered a spinal injury during wrestling practice last week, a county official said.

Treatment for the injured teenager, Mazeratti Mitchell, could be delayed until Thursday while the boy's parents seek additional medical advice, said county solicitor John McBlain. Doctors testified at a closed hearing in Delaware County court Monday that they believed the teen would remain stable through Thursday, McBlain said.

But Judge Mary Alice Brennan could also decide to rule on the boy's treatment at any time, McBlain said.

Delaware County's office of Children and Youth Services placed Mazeratti Mitchell in protective custody last week after his parents refused treatment suggested by doctors at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Mazeratti's mother, Vermell Mitchell, said she is a naturopathic doctor and that she can treat her son's injury with herbal remedies and physical therapy.

Mazeratti Mitchell, who suffered temporary paralysis after he hit heads with another wrestler last Tuesday, can now sit up with assistance and raise his arms, his mother Vermell Mitchell said Monday.

But the Mitchell family, of Boothwyn, declined to discuss its court battle.

Following the hearing in Media, Michael Nix, the Mitchells' lawyer, said only, "We're trying to do what's best for Maz." He declined further comment.

Michael Molinaro, who was appointed representative for the teen, said no decision has been made concerning Mitchell's treatment, but he declined to comment further.

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