3 Baby-Faced Boys Charged in Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl

Suspects allegedly stuffed rocks in victim's mouth to muffle her screams during 30-minute attack

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:48pm

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Three teenage boys, ages 13, 12, and 15, have been charged as adults for the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Miami. Authorities say the suspects pinned the victim to the ground in a community garden, with one boy raping her while the other two held her down. One of the boys allegedly stuffed rocks in the girl's mouth to prevent her from crying out during the 30-minute ordeal.

Why it matters

This case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about juvenile crime and the need for harsher punishments for such heinous acts, especially when committed by minors. It also highlights the vulnerability of young victims and the trauma they endure from sexual assaults.

The details

According to police, the suspects - Nelson Nuñez, 13, Jusiah Jones, 12, and Xavier Tyson, 15 - attacked the 12-year-old girl on June 18 in a community garden near where they all live. Nuñez allegedly tore off the victim's pants and raped her as the other two boys held her down. One of the boys reportedly shoved rocks into the girl's mouth to muffle her screams. The suspects fled after the girl's father started calling out for her, and another boy who witnessed the attack has not been identified.

  • The alleged attack occurred on June 18, 2026.
  • The suspects were charged as adults late last week.

The players

Nelson Nuñez

A 13-year-old boy charged with raping the 12-year-old victim.

Jusiah Jones

A 12-year-old boy charged with helping hold down the victim during the alleged rape.

Xavier Tyson

A 15-year-old boy charged with sexual battery, false imprisonment, and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child for his alleged role in the attack.

The 12-year-old victim

The young girl who was allegedly raped by the three suspects.

The victim's father

The father who started calling out for his daughter after she was eventually able to scream, causing the suspects to flee the scene.

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What they’re saying

“I don't care if they get 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years, 100 years [in prison], I'm gonna always feel like it's not enough.”

— The victim's mother

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow the suspects, who have pleaded not guilty, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This horrific case has shaken the Miami community and reignited debates around juvenile crime, the need for harsher punishments for sexual assaults, and how to better protect vulnerable young victims. It serves as a tragic reminder of the trauma and lifelong impacts that survivors of such heinous acts must endure.