A first court appearance this afternoon for a student accused of brutally beating a teaching assistant at a Minneapolis alternative high school for those with severe behavioral or emotional disorders. 18-year-old Corey Burfield is charged with first- and three-degree assault. The victim, 44-year-old Mohammed Dukuly was initially in critical condition with head injuries, but family members say he’s improving and can now sit up, talk and follow instructions. Minneapolis School Superintendent Ed Graff says his prayers are with the victim and his family, but the incident highlights the need for mental health support, affordable housing and employment for troubled students.