A 15-year-old boy who was charged in the rape of a 12-year-old girl at a community garden in Miami last year was booked into jail on Friday, records show.
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Xavier Tyson, along with Nelson Nunez, 13 and Jusiah Jones, 12, are accused of taking part in the sexual assault.
Tyson was charged with lewd and lascivious molestation on child and false imprisonment, Nunez was charged with sexual battery on a minor by a minor and kidnapping, and Jones was charged with aggravated battery and false imprisonment, Miami-Dade Jail records showed.
NBC6 is naming the suspects because they are being charged as adults.
He was originally arrested last June, but was released for unknown reasons.
In March, Nunez was denied bond and will stay in jail while he awaits trial. Jones was granted house arrest.
“The horrific nature of this assault is not diminished by the age of these defendants. They are both facing up to life in prison for their participation in this attack on a 12-year-old girl,” Judge Richard Hersch said.
According to police, on June 18, 2025, the victim told investigators she was taken to the Green Haven Project at 1160 Northwest 2nd Avenue, a community garden in Overtown, by the group of boys before she was held down and prevented from screaming when rocks were forced into her mouth.
While Jones and Tyson allegedly held the young girl down, Nunez raped her, arrest reports said.
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The girl told investigators that Nunez only stopped when he heard her father calling her name, and they ran off.
A grand jury then indicted the boys.
The Green Haven Project said in a statement that they were “deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic incident that occurred on our premises.”
“While the individuals involved are minors, we unequivocally condemn this behavior. Such conduct is completely contrary to the values of safety, respect, and community that our organization works diligently to uphold. We support the appropriate legal process and accountability in this matter,” the statement read.
“The GHP maintains perimeter security measures, including fencing and protective barriers, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation,” they said.
Tyson remains at Metro West detention center without bond.
His lawyer released the following statement to NBC6:
“Xavier is innocent, and everyone who knows him is shocked and knows he didn’t do what he is accused of.
He’s young and respectful, and is known for how hard he’s worked in the community garden.
Xavier is 15 and has no prior record, and it’s a travesty that the state attorney’s office filed this in adult court.”
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