Boston Police released surveillance footage of the suspects making multiple passes before the robbery.
The robbery unfolded in a matter of moments. According to the children’s account to police, the two masked suspects first walked past the stand several times. They then approached and asked whether the stand accepted Apple Pay. Before David and Juliette could answer, one of the suspects reached over and grabbed the cash box. The other suspect lifted his shirt to show a black firearm tucked into his waistband. The children, frightened but unharmed, immediately complied. Juliette raised her hands while David told them, “You can have it.” The suspects then ran off toward Dorchester Street.
The location was the corner area of West Ninth Street in South Boston, a residential block where families feel comfortable letting their children run small stands close to home. Boston police responded to the call at approximately 4:44 p.m. after the children alerted their family. Officers spoke with the victims and later released surveillance video showing the suspects in the area. The quick police work led to the arrest of one suspect just two days later.
On June 12, Boston police arrested a 14-year-old male in South Boston. He faces charges as a delinquent for two counts of armed robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court. Authorities are still searching for the second suspect and have asked the public for help through official tip lines. The motive appears to have been opportunistic theft of the small amount of cash, though police have not released further details on why the young suspects targeted the children’s stand.
The incident left the Byrne family shaken. David and Juliette’s mother, Jenn Byrne, was at work when her daughter called in hysterics, saying someone had put a gun to them and taken their money. Their father, Dave Byrne, described feeling disgusted that such a thing could happen in broad daylight to young children just trying to enjoy a normal summer activity. The two kids later said they felt annoyed that other young people would do something like this to them, but they were also grateful that no one was physically hurt.
What happened next showed the strength of the South Boston community. Neighbors and other children helped the Byrne family rebuild and repaint a new lemonade stand. On Friday, just days after the robbery, David and Juliette reopened for business at the same spot. This time the event turned into a neighborhood gathering with long lines of supporters. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stopped by, along with police officers and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. Stop & Shop donated lemonade and funds, and half the proceeds from the new stand went to local youth organizations and gun violence prevention efforts.
Juliette later said the outpouring of support made her feel happy and grateful.
“I never thought this many people would come,”
she shared. David echoed the sentiment, noting how the community made them feel safe again. A family friend pointed out that the neighborhood wants the children to keep doing the things they enjoy without fear, emphasizing that one bad moment should not stop kids from being kids on their own street.
While the armed robbery of two children is deeply troubling and raises important questions about juvenile crime, the response from South Boston residents offers a powerful counter-narrative. Instead of letting fear take hold, the community chose to show up for the Byrne children with practical help, encouragement, and a clear message that they belong and are supported. The young siblings’ decision to return to their stand demonstrates remarkable resilience. It reminds everyone how everyday acts of kindness and solidarity can help heal the impact of senseless acts.
