Three Florida Teens Accused of Armed Robbery During Memorial Service for Deceased Friend

A memorial gathering for a deceased friend took a disturbing turn in Lakeland, Florida, when a man was allegedly confronted by several masked individuals and robbed at gunpoint as he returned to his car. Authorities later arrested three teenagers in connection with the incident, while a fourth person was arrested on separate charges.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred around 8 p.m. on November 2, 2024, at Aldine-Combee County Park. The victim had attended the memorial with his girlfriend, who remained inside their vehicle while he met with friends.

When the man returned to his car, four people wearing masks and gloves allegedly pushed him against the vehicle and pointed a gun at his face.

Gold Chain and Cellphone Allegedly Stolen

Investigators alleged that 18-year-old Anthony Wilcox Jr., who reportedly knew the victim, held the gun and took a gold chain from the man’s neck. Nineteen-year-old Jakari Lowery was accused of taking the victim’s cellphone, which was later recovered at the park.

Seventeen-year-old Jadarrius Hayes was also accused of participating in the robbery. According to investigators, Hayes admitted during an interview that he had been armed at the memorial and had pointed his weapon at the victim during the incident.

Authorities said a witness helped identify individuals believed to have been involved, allowing investigators to obtain arrest warrants.

Police Locate Suspects During Investigation

Hayes was taken into custody at Kathleen High School on November 7, 2024, by a school resource deputy and subsequently interviewed by robbery detectives.

Wilcox and Lowery were arrested on November 13 after Lakeland police alerted county investigators that they had located Wilcox at a residence associated with Lowery on South Combee Road.

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives saw Wilcox entering and leaving the residence with an AR-15-style rifle. Officers surrounded the property and eventually persuaded both men to surrender. Investigators recovered two handguns and the rifle from the residence.

Wilcox was charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest. Hayes faced charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Lowery was arrested on three outstanding warrants and faced additional charges related to resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He and Wilcox reportedly acknowledged attending the memorial but denied robbing the victim or carrying weapons during the incident.

A fourth man, 21-year-old Brent Johnson, was also arrested at the residence on charges including resisting arrest and possession of marijuana. Authorities said his arrest was separate from the robbery allegations.

Sheriff Criticizes Suspects’ Alleged Actions

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd criticized the alleged robbery, pointing to the suspects’ ages and reported criminal histories. He said authorities intended to pursue the case and hold those responsible accountable.

The investigation highlighted how a gathering intended to remember a deceased friend allegedly became the setting for an armed confrontation. The three teenagers were accused of taking part in the robbery, but the allegations against each individual must be distinguished from a finding of guilt in court.

Source: foxnews