3 Miami Boys Charged as Adults in Alleged Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl

The incident occurred at a Miami community garden in June 2025, with one boy allegedly putting rocks in the victim's mouth to silence her.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:23am

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Three boys, ages 12 to 15, have been charged as adults in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl that occurred at a Miami community garden in June 2025. According to police, one of the boys raped the girl while the others held her down, and one also allegedly put rocks in her mouth to silence her. The boys were arrested the following day, and a fourth boy who witnessed the incident did not intervene because he was afraid of getting beaten up.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing nature of the alleged crime and the decision to charge the young suspects as adults, which is a controversial practice that raises questions about juvenile justice and the treatment of minors accused of serious offenses. It also sheds light on the safety and security measures at community spaces like the one where the incident allegedly took place.

The details

The alleged rape occurred on June 18, 2025, in The Green Haven Project community garden in Miami's Overtown neighborhood. The 12-year-old victim said she was walking home from a friend's place when she encountered four boys, including Jusiah Jones, 12, Nelson Nunez, 13, and Xavier Tyson, 15 (who was 14 at the time). Nunez allegedly grabbed the girl and brought her to a couch in the garden, where Jones and Tyson held her down as Nunez raped her. When the girl yelled for the boys to stop, Jones allegedly put rocks in her mouth to silence her. The rape allegedly continued for 30 minutes until the victim's father, who was searching for her, started yelling her name, causing the three boys to flee. The three boys were arrested the following day.

  • The alleged rape occurred on June 18, 2025.
  • The three boys were arrested the following day.
  • The boys were charged as adults in February 2026 following a grand jury indictment issued on February 25, 2026.

The players

Jusiah Jones

A 12-year-old boy charged as an adult in connection with the alleged rape.

Nelson Nunez

A 13-year-old boy charged as an adult in connection with the alleged rape.

Xavier Tyson

A 15-year-old boy (who was 14 at the time) charged as an adult in connection with the alleged rape.

The Green Haven Project

The community garden where the alleged incident occurred.

Mike Vega

A spokesperson for the Miami Police Department.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the three boys out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding the treatment of minors accused of serious crimes, as well as the importance of safety and security measures in community spaces. It raises questions about juvenile justice, the long-term impact on the victim, and the responsibility of bystanders who witness such incidents.