Three juveniles are facing first-degree murder charges after a 17-year-old girl was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Riviera Beach last month, with the U.S. Marshals Service taking all three suspects into custody. Police say the shooting happened just after 8 p.m. on Aug. 21 in the 1400 block of West 36th Street, and investigators leaned on automated license plate reader technology to track the suspects' vehicle as it fled the scene.
According to WPTV, the three juveniles conspired to commit a robbery that led to the victim's death. The alleged shooter faces the most serious charges, including first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, principal in the first degree, and tampering with a witness, victim or informant. The two accomplices each face first-degree murder, principal in the first degree, and attempted armed robbery, per the outlet's report.
How Flock Cameras Helped Track the Suspects
The Flock camera and license plate reader system helped investigators track the suspects' getaway car as it fled the scene.
That technology is now caught in a broader political fight over surveillance in Florida. The Florida Department of Transportation removed automated Flock cameras from state rights-of-way during the week before WLRN's Sept. 3, 2026, publication, and Palm Beach County commissioners voted during the same week to pause new camera permits on county roads over data privacy concerns, as reported by WLRN.
Marshals Task Force Made the Arrests
The U.S. Marshals Service took all three suspects into custody. Police Chief Michael A. Coleman said, “These are senseless acts of violence, and the department is committed to stopping them,” per WPTV's report. The Riviera Beach Police Department said the investigation remains active.
What Happens Next in Juvenile Court
Florida law provides pathways for juveniles to be prosecuted in adult court, including grand-jury indictment for life- or death-punishable offenses, according to Longwell Lawyers.
The three juveniles face first-degree murder charges despite their differing roles, and all three also face charges of principal in the first degree.
If the alleged shooter is ultimately convicted as an adult, Florida's 10-20-Life law imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison without eligibility for gain-time or early release for discharging a firearm during a felony that results in death, according to Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Even so, Florida statutes provide juvenile sentence-review procedures under §§ 921.1401 and 921.1402, per FindLaw's review of Florida law.
A Pattern of Youth Violence in Riviera Beach
This case adds to a troubling string of juvenile homicide investigations in Riviera Beach. In May 2025, a 14-year-old was charged with first-degree murder in a fatal shooting, and in June 2025 a juvenile was detained on suspicion of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Elias Morrero, cases including the May 2025 case Hoodline previously covered.
The Riviera Beach Police Department said the investigation into the 17-year-old's death remains active and is asking anyone with additional information to call 561-845-4123, or to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).
