A Florida mother and stepfather allegedly attacked a 15-year-old boy who dropped their daughter off after an all-night party because they believed he was an adult, according to authorities.
Background
Rosa Lamourt Tiru, 45, and Lance Mulonas, 61, called police to report concerns about their 15-year-old daughter being out all night. They told dispatchers she had been dropped off by an adult male. What they failed to mention during that initial call was that they had already assaulted the teen boy and damaged his vehicle — or that the driver was actually the same age as their daughter, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit.
The Charges
Tiru and Mulonas are charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault. Mulonas also faces additional charges of false imprisonment and criminal mischief. Deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office allege that around 3 p.m., as the teen pulled into the driveway of a home in the 1500 block of N. Normandy Boulevard in Deltona to drop off the girl, a white van blocked his vehicle from leaving.
According to the affidavit, Mulonas exited the van holding a metal pipe and began striking the roof of the boy's car when he rolled down the window. The stepfather allegedly held a knife near the teen's neck during the confrontation. Meanwhile, Tiru was reportedly waving a firearm throughout the incident. After Mulonas moved his van, the teen was able to escape. He met his mother at a nearby gas station, and she called 911.
"Two adults assaulted my son," the boy's mother told dispatchers. "He's 15. He's a minor and they pulled a gun and a knife on him and damaged a vehicle."
The teen told investigators he feared for his life during the encounter. His mother estimated approximately $4,000 in damage to the vehicle.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Volusia County Jail, where they remain held without bond. Their next scheduled court appearance is set for July 1.
Key Takeaways
- Rosa Lamourt Tiru, 45, and Lance Mulonas, 61, are charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault in connection with the incident
- Mulonas faces additional charges of false imprisonment and criminal mischief
- The alleged attack occurred after the teen dropped off the couple's daughter following an all-night party
- Investigators say a white van blocked the victim's vehicle, preventing him from leaving the driveway
- Authorities allege Mulonas struck the car with a metal pipe and held a knife to the teen's neck while Tiru brandished a firearm
- The suspects are being held without bond at Volusia County Jail
- A next court hearing is scheduled for July 1
What's Next
Tiru and Mulonas will appear in court on July 1 for their next scheduled hearing. The case remains under investigation by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, and prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they plan to seek additional charges or enhancements.