by Jacksonville, FL – Three teenagers in Jacksonville, Florida have been arrested in connection with a violent assault on a 64-year-old homeless man, leaving the victim fatally injured. Authorities say the attack stemmed from a dispute over perceived disrespect toward the teens’ deceased friends.
Fatal Assault on Roger Borkum
Roger Borkum, a New York native and former World Trade Center consultant, was brutally beaten on October 19, 2025, leaving him in a pool of his own blood. Borkum had previously worked on the 77th floor of Tower 1 but was let go in July 2001, months before the September 11 attacks. His family had not seen him in 24 years prior to his death.
The attack left Borkum hospitalized, where he succumbed to his injuries four days later.
“On Sunday, October 19, 2025, District 1 patrol officers responded to an aggravated battery and discovered Roger Borkum had been severely beaten,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) said in a press release.
Teens Captured on Video
The suspects—Marcavion Lacey, 19, Robert Pope, 17, and Justin Curry, 13—were reportedly caught on surveillance video approaching Borkum before the assault. The footage allegedly shows the group crouching as though sneaking up, then kicking and stomping the victim.
“I observed all three suspects kick and stomp on the victim. After battering the victim, the suspects fled the crime scene,” a law enforcement officer noted in the report.
Authorities also tied the teens to a nearby robbery, which occurred around the same time. A witness provided a description of the attackers, helping police track down and arrest them.
Motive and Statements
According to court documents, Lacey told investigators that the teens were not intending to kill Borkum. Another teen claimed that Borkum had allegedly “dissed” his deceased friends, though he could not identify them by name. Surveillance footage also reportedly shows the group rummaging through Borkum’s backpack before fleeing, then returning approximately 20 minutes later to assault him again.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of how young some offenders have become and how devastating the consequences are for victims, families, and the surrounding community,” the JSO said.
Age and Charges
- Marcavion Lacey, 19
- Robert Pope, 17
- Justin Curry, 13
All three teens face murder charges, and the youngest, Curry, was just 12 years old at the time of the attack. They remain in custody.
Remembering Roger Borkum
Borkum had been married before becoming homeless; his wife passed away while on a humanitarian mission in Africa. According to his obituary, he narrowly escaped death in July 2001, while many of his coworkers perished on September 11.
“Parents and guardians, get involved in your children’s lives. There are resources available for kids to keep them out of trouble. Take action before it’s too late,” the sheriff’s office added.
The JSO emphasized working closely with state authorities to pursue justice for Borkum and encouraged parents to be more involved in their children’s lives.
How should communities respond to youth violence? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on preventing tragedies like this.
