Two middle school boys in Florida are facing juvenile charges after their own mothers reported them as the culprits behind more than $50,000 worth of damage at a school library.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office says the 12- and 13-year-old boys first wandered onto Friendship Elementary School’s campus in Deltona during the day on September 13. Later that night, they returned and allegedly tore through the library. Deputies say books were strewn across the floor, furniture flipped, glass shattered, and graffiti scrawled throughout the media center.
The damage was discovered when a fire alarm went off, prompting deputies to find the library in ruins. Bodycam footage released online shows the wreckage inside, while still photos highlight scattered books, broken fixtures, and widespread vandalism. Surveillance footage shared by the sheriff’s office captured two masked figures entering the building—one wearing a Monster Energy cap.
Tips poured in after the footage went public, but it was the boys’ mothers who ultimately recognized their children and alerted authorities. On September 15, officials announced that the boys—identified as 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly—had admitted to their actions. Investigators say the pair first entered during school hours, then returned after dark to “check on the damage and cause more.” The estimated cost of destruction is expected to exceed $50,000.
Both boys now face multiple charges, including burglary, trespassing, theft, and criminal mischief. Prosecutors have not yet detailed how the case will move forward in juvenile court, but given the scope of the damage, serious consequences are likely.
The case has sparked widespread reaction online—many praising the mothers for holding their sons accountable, even at personal cost. Commenters called it a difficult but necessary choice, with some suggesting restorative measures like cleanup, reshelving books, or community service as a way to teach responsibility alongside punishment. Others worried about the long-term effects of a juvenile record at such a young age.
At its core, the case has fueled debate over accountability—whether it begins at home, at school, or both. For now, the two mothers’ decision to come forward is being seen as a striking example of tough love in action.
What would you do if it were your child? Report them, or try to handle it quietly with the school?
