Police officials suggest the incident may have been related to a gang initiation. They say several people were drinking at a city home, including the boy, and some decided to beat up the youth as part of a gang initiation rite.

The youth remains in critical condition in hospital.

Rony Tyson Harper, 23, Graham Phillip Wood, 18 and a 15-year-old boy have all been charged with aggravated assault.

All three accused remain in custody.