Seneca's words - Â?He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages itÂ? - rings true in this update of the iPod killing in New York. Darren Samuel, 17, claimed that he did not participate in the attack of Christopher Rose and instead froze when the victim was stabbed in the chest. He was still convicted of robbery and second-degree murder and faces as many as 25 years in prison - a decision that took three hours, says Brooklyn prosecutor Charles Hynes.

Samuel was with a group of four - which includes his cousin Aaron Farrell, 20, who Samuel claims was to be blamed for the stabbing - when they approached 15-year old Rose and his friends to demand that the victims give up their iPod.

Farrell will be tried on murder charges next month. Quaison Fraser, 18, pleaded guilty to gang assault and will be sentenced to three and a half years in prison. While an 18-year old defendant is still awaiting trial.