In an unusual turn of events, two young boys in Volusia County, Florida, found themselves in handcuffs after allegedly breaking into Friendship Elementary School to vandalize the premises. The incident, which occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on September 14, was triggered by a fire alarm that alerted authorities to the disturbance at the school located in Deltona, north of Sanford.
When deputies arrived, they encountered a scene of chaos, with shattered glass strewn across the floor and evidence of extensive damage within the school’s media center. Upon further investigation, it became clear that the alarm had not been set off by a fire but possibly as a diversion by the young intruders. The deputies quickly realized that the damage was the result of deliberate vandalism rather than an accidental break-in.
Surveillance footage from outside the school captured the two suspects, which was then shared with the public. In a surprising twist, the boys’ own mothers recognized their sons in the images and took it upon themselves to turn them in to the authorities. Sheriff Mike Chitwood reported that the boys—12-year-old Felix Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Wley—confessed to causing approximately $50,000 in damages. It was revealed that the duo had initially broken into the school during the day before returning later to inflict further destruction.
The actions of the mothers have sparked discussions about parenting and accountability. Experts suggest that while the decision to report their children was commendable, it raises questions about the dynamics within the family and the potential need for therapeutic intervention. Clinical psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Gardier noted that such extreme acts of vandalism often stem from underlying issues that may require deeper examination and support.
Despite their young ages, both boys face serious charges, including two counts of burglary, two counts of trespassing, criminal mischief, and theft. Given their status as minors, their cases will be handled in juvenile court, where the focus will likely be on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The incident has drawn attention not only for the shocking nature of the crime but also for the lessons it imparts about responsibility and consequences. As the community reflects on this event, it serves as a reminder of the critical role parents play in guiding their children’s behavior and the importance of addressing issues before they escalate into more serious problems.
Sheriff Chitwood has been vocal about the need for accountability among youth, using social media to highlight incidents of juvenile crime in hopes of deterring future offenses. As the legal proceedings move forward for Romero and Wley, the community watches closely, both concerned about the implications of their actions and hopeful for their rehabilitation.
