A Jacksonville community is reeling after three teenage boys were charged in connection with the fatal beating of a man who survived the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

According to The Daily Caller, police in Jacksonville, Florida, charged the three teens on Nov. 20 in the killing of 64-year-old Roger Borkum, a Long Island native and former World Trade Center worker who “narrowly escaped death” during 9/11.

Authorities identified the suspects as 13-year-old Justin Curry, 16-year-old Robert Pope, and 19-year-old Marcavion Lacey. Borkum was found brutally beaten in mid-October and later died from his injuries, marking a shocking end to a life shaped by survival, tragedy, and determination. The suspects now face murder charges as prosecutors piece together the events leading up to the attack.

Details of the fatal attack

Police officers responded to an aggravated battery call on Oct. 19 and discovered Borkum lying “severely beaten” near the doorway in a small recessed area of a building, according to a sheriff’s office statement. He was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries four days later.

Investigators determined that the assault took place shortly before the trio allegedly participated in a separate robbery just minutes later. Witness descriptions and surveillance footage helped law enforcement identify and locate the suspects near the scene.

Court records reveal that Curry, the youngest of the three, was only 12 at the time of the alleged crime. All three are being held and face murder charges in connection with Borkum’s death.

Investigators piece together evidence

The Jacksonville County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office as part of the investigation. Eyewitness testimony and the discovery of stolen property were key components linking the teenagers to both the assault and the following robbery.

Officers described the attack as “brutal and senseless,” indicating that it appeared to be a random act rather than a targeted assault. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, leaving the community searching for answers.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that the three suspects were initially arrested for aggravated battery but that the charges were elevated to murder after Borkum’s death. They are being prosecuted under Florida’s laws, which allow juveniles to be charged as adults depending on case severity.

Remembering a man marked by resilience

Roger Borkum’s life had been defined by survival and perseverance. Originally from Long Island, he worked as a consultant on the 77th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center before being laid off in late July 2001 — just weeks before the attacks that killed many of his coworkers.

Friends and family described Borkum as a thoughtful man who loved reading philosophical works and remained deeply affected by the loss of colleagues on 9/11. His obituary recounts that he uncovered instances of corruption while consulting for a multinational bank before the 2008 financial collapse.

Borkum had also endured personal loss before his own tragic death. His wife, Celeste, died during a humanitarian mission in Africa, leaving him to continue her charitable legacy and advocacy work back in the United States.

Lessons to Learn

Violent crime can happen unexpectedly, as shown in the tragic death of Roger Borkum. Here are three lessons that may help people stay aware of their surroundings and look out for one another, though it is important to remember that no one is ever to blame for being a victim.

1. Stay vigilant in public areas: Even near populated or urban spaces, as in this incident, attacks can happen in recessed or unseen areas. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated or poorly lit corners, especially when alone.

2. Report suspicious behavior promptly: If you witness aggression, harassment, or any behavior that seems unsafe or out of place in your neighborhood, report it. Reacting early may prevent a crime or lead to faster intervention from law enforcement.

3. Community awareness and support matter: Neighborhoods that cultivate a sense of connectedness among residents—with regular communication or community watch groups—are often better positioned to deter crime. Still, it's crucial to understand that crime can target anyone, anywhere, and victims are never responsible for the actions of perpetrators.

Why This Story Matters

This story is significant not just because of the violent crime that ended Roger Borkum’s life, but because of the broader message it sends about public safety and youth accountability. Borkum was a survivor of one of the most devastating events in American history, only to lose his life in his own community decades later. It shines a painful spotlight on violent youth crime and the challenges communities face in addressing it. It also honors the life of a man who lived through incredible hardship and continued to reflect the values of courage and intelligence until his untimely death.

Roger Borkum, a former World Trade Center consultant who narrowly missed being killed on 9/11, was beaten in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 19 and died days later on October 23. Three teens—Marcavion Lacey, Robert Pope, and Justin Curry—were arrested on November 20 and charged with his murder, with investigators tying them to an additional robbery that occurred nearby. Borkum, remembered for his intellect and moral convictions, had endured prior hardship, including the death of his wife and his close brush with death during a national tragedy, before becoming the victim of a brutal assault in his later years.