Amber Beraun, an Indianapolis resident, was robbed at gunpoint outside her home last month. Beraun was checking her mailbox early in the morning when a man approached her and pulled out a firearm. The suspect, later identified as Damien Boyce, demanded that Beraun let him into her house. Beraun handed over approximately $100 in cash to Boyce, who then pointed the gun at her and demanded she add him on Facebook.
According to court documents, Boyce messaged Beraun on Facebook after the robbery, complimenting her and asking her out. In one message, Boyce wrote, “Damn you was too pretty to rob,” and said he would pay her back. Beraun responded, “I believe you man. I can tell you’re sweet, times just get rough. I know that.” Boyce also reportedly asked Beraun to “come chill” with him.
Beraun expressed her concern about the incident, saying, “It makes me a little on edge knowing that people walk up and down the street, looking for places to commit crimes. It makes it a little different when you hear noises at night.” Boyce was charged with armed robbery and held on a $7,500 bond.
Boyce had been arrested just a week before the robbery for a separate armed robbery on June 12. In that incident, Boyce allegedly got into an argument and shot two people and hit another in the head with a brick. He was charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal recklessness, and battery.
The incident highlights the dangers of online communication and the potential for criminals to use social media to target victims.