Three Teens Charged With Murder of 9/11 Survivor in Florida

UPDATE: Three teenage boys have been charged with the murder of Roger Borkum, a 64-year-old man who narrowly escaped death during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, announced the charges on November 20, 2023, following a brutal incident that left Borkum severely injured.

The suspects, aged 13, 16, and 19, were arrested after law enforcement responded to an aggravated battery call on October 19, 2023. Officers discovered Borkum lying on the ground, having sustained significant head injuries. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries just four days later.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Borkum was found in a small recessed area near a building entrance. Witness descriptions and a thorough investigation led to the identification of the suspects: Justin Curry (13), Robert Pope (16), and Marcavion Lacey (19). The youngest suspect was only 12 at the time of the attack, highlighting the tragic involvement of minors in this violent crime.

Authorities report that all three teenagers face murder charges, and they were also linked to a robbery occurring shortly after the attack on Borkum. This shocking incident raises significant concerns about youth violence and criminal behavior in the area.

Roger Borkum was not just a victim; he was a survivor who had previously escaped the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Borkum lost many colleagues from his consulting job on the 77th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center, making his death from this violent act even more poignant. His obituary reveals that he had a deep passion for philosophical literature and had uncovered corruption within a multinational bank prior to the 2008 recession.

The emotional toll of this crime extends beyond the victim. Borkum’s wife, Celeste, tragically passed away during a humanitarian trip to Africa, further compounding the grief for their family. Friends and the community are now reeling from this senseless act of violence, emphasizing the need for urgent conversations about crime prevention and youth intervention.

As the legal process unfolds, many are left asking: What drives such violence among teenagers? Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, and community leaders are called to action to address the underlying issues that contribute to youth crime.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The impact of this tragedy is felt deeply, and community members are urged to support one another in the wake of this shocking event.