The Miami community is in shock after three boys, ages 12, 13, and 15, were indicted as adults for the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the Overtown neighborhood.
Prosecutors reported the June 2025 incident occurred near The Green Haven Project community garden after the victim left a friend’s home.
A grand jury returned the indictment on Wednesday, transferring the case from juvenile to adult court due to the severity of the charges.
Authorities identified the suspects as Jusiah Jones, 12; Nelson Nunez, 13; and Xavier Tyson, 15 (14 at the time of the incident).
Investigators allege Nunez pulled the victim into a gated area of the community garden while Jones and Tyson followed.
The assault allegedly ended only when the victim’s father called her name, prompting the boys to flee.
Police reports indicate Nunez allegedly committed sexual battery while Jones and Tyson restrained the girl.
Jones reportedly placed rocks in her mouth to silence her cries.
A nearby child witness confirmed the victim’s account, stating he did not intervene out of fear. Another witness reported the incident to a Miami Police Department officer the following day, according to Local 10.
Court records show Nunez faces charges of sexual battery on a minor by a minor and kidnapping.
Jones is charged with aggravated battery and false imprisonment, while Tyson faces sexual battery, false imprisonment, and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.
Jones and Nunez were booked into Metro West Detention Center on Thursday; a judge ordered both held without bond during their first adult court appearance on Feb. 27.
Tyson awaits arraignment, The Sun reported.
During Monday’s hearing, attorneys for Jones and Nunez entered not guilty pleas, requested jury trials, and filed discovery motions requiring prosecutors to provide evidence.
Defense attorneys argued that the boys should not remain in adult jail facilities while awaiting trial.
“At this point, you have a 13-year-old kid sitting in jail. My co-counsel and I will both be fighting hard to get our clients out of jail,” said Bijan Sebastian Parwaresch, Nunez’s attorney.
Family reactions were intense.
Jones’ mother shouted, “It’s not true. He’s only 12,” while his father described the allegations as false.
The victim’s mother called for strict punishment if the defendants are convicted, saying, “I don’t care if they get 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years, 100 years, I’m gonna always feel like it’s not enough.”
Miami Police spokesperson Mike Vega described the case as “heartbreaking,” adding, “I can only imagine the pain that a 12-year-old is going to have for the rest of her life, knowing what occurred to her.”
The Green Haven Project acknowledged that a construction-related opening allowed “unintended access” to the property after hours.
“The Green Haven Project is deeply saddened by this unforeseen and unacceptable incident and stands with the victim and her family,” the nonprofit stated, noting continued cooperation with authorities.
As the case proceeds in Miami-Dade County adult court, it has sparked debate over juvenile justice.
Prosecutors argue the severity of the assault warrants adult charges, while defense attorneys and some community members raise questions about rehabilitation and the handling of young offenders.
The three defendants remain in custody as preparations for trial continue.
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