Two Florida middle school students are facing serious juvenile charges after their own mothers reported them for causing more than $50,000 in damage to their school library, authorities said. The incident occurred at Friendship Elementary School in Deltona, where 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly allegedly entered the campus during the day on September 13 and returned later that night to vandalize the media center.

Deputies responding to a triggered fire alarm discovered extensive destruction inside the library, including overturned furniture, scattered books, broken glass, and graffiti covering doors and walls. Surveillance footage released by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office shows two masked youths entering the building, one wearing a Monster Energy cap, while body-camera recordings and photos captured the aftermath. Tips from the public poured in after the footage circulated online, but it was the boys’ own mothers who ultimately recognized their sons and contacted authorities.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that both teens confessed to the vandalism. Investigators said the boys had returned after initially entering during the day to inspect the damage and intentionally cause additional destruction. The total cost of the damage is estimated to exceed $50,000.

Both juveniles now face multiple charges, including burglary, trespassing on school grounds, criminal mischief, and theft. While it remains unclear how the case will proceed in juvenile court, the severity of the damage suggests the consequences could be significant.

Public reaction to the case has focused on both the extent of the vandalism and the mothers’ decision to report their children. Many praised the parents for prioritizing accountability, viewing their actions as an example of responsible parenting, while others expressed concern about the long-term implications of a juvenile record for such young offenders.

The incident has also sparked broader discussions about restorative justice, with suggestions including supervised cleanup, repairing the damage, public apologies, or community service as ways to help the teens understand the impact of their actions. The debate highlights questions about where responsibility lies — at home, at school, or both — and the role parents play in guiding children toward making better choices.

By involving law enforcement, the mothers demonstrated a willingness to hold their children accountable, sending a clear message about consequences while navigating the difficult balance of parenting, justice, and rehabilitation.

What would you do if your child were involved in something like this? Would you contact law enforcement or try to handle the situation privately with the school? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.