FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Five teenagers accused of setting a classmate on fire appeared before a judge Monday.

Formal charges have yet to be filed against the suspects in the attack on 15-year-old Michael Brewer, despite a 21-day deadline to do so. In court, prosecutors requested a nine-day extension since they have been unable to interview the victim.

Brewer was doused with rubbing alcohol last month and lit on fire outside of a Deerfield Beach apartment complex. Brewer suffered burns over 65 percent of his body in the fiery attack. The teen has been in the intensive care unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital ever since.

"We've spoken to the people at the hospital," said Assistant State Attorney Kal Le Var Evans. "They're going to be removing his tubes sometime this week and we expect a formal statement to be taken later this week."

Formal charges would likely follow.

Lawyers for the five teenage suspects had hoped to sway a judge to allow their clients to be released to family members while prosecutors continue to build their case; however, their attempts were shot down.

Jesus Mendez, 15, who is accused of flicking the lighter, cried in the courtroom following the judge's ruling. Mendez is facing attempted murder charges and could be charged as an adult.

Local 10 is not identifying the other four juvenile suspects because of their ages and the seriousness of the crime. The teens, who range in age from 13 to 15 years old, each face aggravated battery charges.

All five teens will remain in the custody of a juvenile detention center and are expected back in court next week.