Two Florida middle schoolers, ages 12 and 13, are now facing serious juvenile charges after authorities say they left a trail of destruction inside the library at Friendship Elementary in Deltona. The incident, which took place on September 13, caused an estimated $50,000 in damage and has sparked debate about accountability, parenting, and how best to handle young offenders.

A Night of Chaos

According to investigators, the boys first entered the school campus during the day before returning later that night to target the media center. Once inside, they allegedly tossed books, smashed glass panels, knocked over furniture, and spray-painted graffiti across the library walls. Deputies were called to the scene after a fire alarm went off, and when they entered the building, they found the library in ruins.

Surveillance cameras captured two masked youths roaming through the school. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office quickly released the footage to the public, hoping someone might recognize them. Within hours, tips began pouring in from community members. The case took a dramatic turn when the most critical information came from two people closest to the suspects—the boys’ own mothers.

Parents Step In

When the surveillance stills circulated online, both mothers immediately recognized their children. Instead of hiding the truth, they contacted authorities and turned them in. The boys were later identified as 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly. According to deputies, both confessed to their actions after being questioned.

The mothers’ decision has been met with mixed reactions. Many praised them for holding their children accountable, even though it must have been a painful step to take. Others wondered if such an action could have long-lasting consequences for boys so young, potentially saddling them with a juvenile record that might follow them for years.

The Charges and Potential Consequences

Both Romero and Wehrly are now facing multiple charges, including burglary, trespassing, theft, and criminal mischief. While the case will move through juvenile court, the scale of the destruction raises the stakes. Experts say that while juvenile offenders rarely face the same long-term penalties as adults, the extensive damage—estimated at more than $50,000—could influence the court’s decision and lead to stricter outcomes than usual.

Some observers believe this case highlights a crucial crossroads for the juvenile justice system. Should the focus be primarily on punishment, sending a strong message to other young people about the cost of destructive behavior? Or should it lean more toward rehabilitation, giving the boys a chance to learn from their mistakes without being branded for life?

The Debate Over Restorative Justice

Online discussions have gone beyond punishment, raising the possibility of restorative justice. This approach focuses less on traditional sentencing and more on repairing the harm done. Suggestions from the community included having the boys participate in supervised clean-up efforts, re-shelving the thousands of scattered books, issuing public apologies, or completing service projects that directly benefit the school they damaged.

Advocates argue that restorative justice gives children a better understanding of the consequences of their actions while helping them rebuild trust with the community. Critics, however, say it may not be enough of a deterrent for such a costly and disruptive crime.

A Broader Conversation About Parenting and Accountability

This case has also sparked conversation about the role of parents in shaping accountability. The decision of both mothers to come forward stood out as a defining moment. Rather than shielding their sons, they chose to let them face the consequences, which many consider a lesson in responsibility that might ultimately benefit the boys.

At the same time, the situation raises concerns about how society should respond when children make choices that cause real harm. Striking the right balance between discipline and guidance remains one of the most difficult challenges for parents, educators, and legal systems alike.

Moving Forward

As the juvenile court process unfolds, the outcome for Romero and Wehrly remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this incident has become more than just a story about vandalism—it has sparked a larger conversation about how communities respond when kids go down the wrong path. Whether through traditional punishment, restorative measures, or a combination of both, the case underscores how critical it is to guide young people toward understanding the weight of their actions.

In the end, this story isn’t just about the damage done to a school library. It’s also about the choices parents, courts, and communities make when young people stumble. The hope is that these boys can learn from this mistake, repair the harm they caused, and move toward a future defined by better decisions.