Police say a bystander’s description helped officers find three suspects within hours of the downtown attack.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A witness description helped Jacksonville officers track down three teenagers now charged with murder in the Oct. 19 beating of Roger Borkum, 64, downtown. Pope and Lacey were arrested days after Borkum died, and a grand jury indicted Curry on Nov. 20, police said.
The Sheriff’s Office said the timeline moved fast: an evening assault on a public block, a hospital death four days later, then arrests based on leads from the first night. The suspects were identified as Justin Curry, 13; Robert Pope, 16; and Marcavion Lacey, 19. Detectives in the Homicide Unit worked the case with the State Attorney’s Office, culminating with the grand jury indictment of the youngest teen this week. Officials have not released a motive. The agency called the case a “vicious attack.”
Officers responded to an aggravated battery call on Oct. 19 and found Borkum severely injured, according to police. He was taken to a hospital, where he died four days later from his injuries. A bystander who saw the beating gave descriptions of three youths. Officers broadcast the information citywide, and patrol units detained individuals matching those descriptions within hours, police said. In announcing the charges, the Sheriff’s Office said detectives reviewed evidence and coordinated with prosecutors before naming the suspects publicly.
Authorities said Pope and Lacey were arrested shortly after Borkum’s death. Curry, who was 12 on the night of the attack, was presented to a Duval County grand jury, which returned an indictment on Thursday. The Sheriff’s Office did not provide details of the evidence or whether surveillance footage exists. The agency did not specify the exact block of the assault, citing the ongoing case. Police did confirm Borkum’s name and age and that the killing occurred in the city’s downtown area.
Jacksonville prosecutors often weigh adult charges for juveniles in homicide cases, depending on evidence and criminal history. Florida law allows prosecutors to “direct file” certain felonies in adult court. In this case, filing decisions are pending. If adult charges are pursued, hearings would be scheduled in circuit court; if juvenile, proceedings would follow separate rules on records and hearings. Either way, discovery—police reports, witness interviews and any forensic testing—will be shared with defense counsel under court deadlines.
Friday’s announcement drew attention around downtown, where workers described a steady police presence in recent weeks. “It shook a lot of people,” said a woman who walks to a nearby bus stop after work. “We’re following the case.” Police said they continue to work with prosecutors as the case advances and will share updates through public records and court filings.
All three teens now face murder charges in Borkum’s death. Initial court dates are expected to be set following the indictment returned Thursday.
Author note: Last updated November 23, 2025.