2nd Suspect Sought In South Boston Lemonade Stand Robbery

BOSTON, MA — The police department is asking for the public's help identifying a person it believes was involved in the armed robbery of two children operating a lemonade stand in South Boston last month, after one arrest has already been made in connection with the case.

Detectives released surveillance photos of the individual they are seeking to identify as the investigation into the June 10 robbery continues. Police said the second suspect was allegedly involved in the robbery that occurred on West Ninth Street shortly before 5 p.m.

The announcement comes after detectives arrested a 14-year-old juvenile male on June 12. He has since been arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court on two counts each of delinquency, to wit:, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Police said detectives are continuing to investigate the case and are working to identify the second individual involved.

Officers responded to West Ninth Street after receiving a report of an armed robbery involving two children who had been operating a lemonade stand. Police said the suspects made several passes by the stand before approaching and asking whether Apple Pay would be accepted as payment. Before the children could respond, the suspects grabbed a cash box containing about $50. One suspect then displayed a black firearm in his waistband before both individuals fled the area. Police later recovered the cash box, though the money had been removed.

The victims, siblings Juliette and David Byrne, had set up the lemonade stand to earn spending money during the summer. In the days following the incident, the 11- and 12-year-olds continued operating the stand and were met by neighbors and residents who stopped by specifically to support their business.

The stand also received visits from Mayor Michelle Wu and City Councilor Ed Flynn. The Byrne family later announced plans to donate a portion of the lemonade stand's proceeds to a local gun violence prevention organization.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the second suspect is asked to contact Boston Police District C-6 detectives at 617-343-4742. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers Program by calling 1-800-494-TIPS, texting "TIP" to CRIME (27463), or through the department's CrimeStoppers website.