URGENT UPDATE: Three teenage boys have been charged with the murder of Roger Borkum, a 64-year-old man who narrowly escaped the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The suspects, aged 13, 16, and 19, were arrested following a brutal attack that left Borkum severely injured on October 19, 2023.
Authorities reported that responding officers found Borkum beaten and lying near a building in Jacksonville, Florida. He was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries four days later, on October 23. The shocking incident has sent ripples through the community, highlighting the tragic fate of a man who survived one of America’s darkest days only to lose his life in a violent crime.
The suspects, identified as Justin Curry, Robert Pope, and Marcavion Lacey, were apprehended near the scene shortly after the attack. They face charges of murder, aggravated battery, and robbery, with the youngest suspect, Curry, being just 12 years old at the time of the crime, according to court documents. Witness accounts played a critical role in identifying the teenagers, who reportedly committed a robbery minutes after the assault on Borkum.
Borkum, a former worker on the 77th floor of Tower 1 during the 9/11 attacks, had a tragic history. Many of his colleagues perished that day, while he managed to escape. His obituary reveals that he was deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Celeste, who died during a humanitarian trip to Africa. Borkum’s life was characterized by his love for philosophy and his fight against corruption he uncovered in a multinational bank before the 2008 recession.
This incident is a stark reminder of the violence that can plague communities, impacting families and friends profoundly. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they continue their investigation.
As this story develops, the community and the nation await further details on the legal proceedings against the suspects. Stay tuned for updates on this tragic case that intertwines past traumas with new tragedies.
