Overview
- Two siblings, ages 12 and 11, were robbed at gunpoint at their South Boston lemonade stand on Wednesday when two masked juveniles asked about Apple Pay and one displayed a firearm before seizing a pink cash box.
- Police arrested a 14-year-old on Friday in connection with the robbery and said the teen is expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court on counts of armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
- Detectives released surveillance photos and video, recovered the cash box empty, and are asking the public for tips as they continue to identify and locate a second juvenile suspect.
- Neighbors and city officials rallied to support the Byrne siblings, reopening the stand and drawing hundreds of people to a fundraiser where organizers pledged to donate a portion of proceeds to a local gun-violence prevention group and Mayor Michelle Wu attended.
- The case has focused attention on youth-involved crime and the juvenile court process in Boston, and it could prompt more community policing, public tips, and local prevention efforts aimed at keeping children safe on neighborhood streets.