Three masked teenagers who embarked on a viral doorbell prank that police spent more than 100 hours investigating were related to their victim, it has emerged.
In a video, the trio were seen approaching the property in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 14, taunting the homeowners with demands to open the door and threatening to make their own way in.
One of the suspects could be heard yelling: 'It's either you come out or we coming in.'
The incident, captured on the family’s doorbell camera and believed to be an attempted burglary, gained national attention.
Detectives have now confirmed that the three teenagers were related to the victim, and their mother helped orchestrate the prank. No charges will be filed.
Shayla Whiteside was with her mother in the home at the time and screamed at the masked youths to reveal their identities as they continued to yell at her to open the door.
After more than ten minutes of taunting, the group finally fled the home, and Whiteside's family called 911.
Alexandria Police Department had said those responsible could face criminal charges and the public was encouraged to report any information that could help identify the masked individuals.
Three masked teenagers taunted a home in Virginia on the night of October 14, prompting a criminal investigation
They made threats as they approached the home in haunting masks, doorbell footage showed
After more than 100 hours of investigating, police revealed that the teenagers were related to the victim and no charges would be filed
A spokesman said yesterday: 'A significant break in the case came after the department's first press conference, when multiple community tips led investigators to the suspects, three juveniles, ages 14 to 16, who were related to the victim.'
The mother later confessed to the police that she approached the home in Halloween masks with her two sons and nephew.
Two additional adults participated in the prank by filming the interaction from the street, officers said.
It is not believed the homeowners were aware of who was responsible until they were informed by police.
The family has decided not to pursue criminal charges, so officers have not had cause to reveal their identities.
'While this case may not result in prosecution, it represents a serious moral failure,' Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said.
'Pranks of this nature are not taken lightly. Actions like these could have deadly consequences.'
McGuire added that parents have a responsibility to guide their children's behavior and must be held accountable for it.
He defended the decision not to press charges, telling reporters during a press conference: 'From a human perspective, while this was very challenging, we also have to ask: "Does this individual desire to prosecute against their family?"'
Shayla Whiteside was visiting her mother's home in Alexandria during the prank. She told police that she called her brother, who arrived at the house with a firearm
Police warned that similar pranks tend to escalate around Halloween and cautioned parents to remain vigilant
'And I think that they decided not to, and we have to work through that. We have to try to respect that decision.'
Police stressed that, even though the incident turned out to be a family prank, the situation could've quickly escalated into violence.
Whiteside had called her brother for help before reporting what had happened, and he arrived at her home with a firearm.
After the prank, Whiteside condemned the behavior on her Facebook, writing in a post: 'This isn’t a prank. They came to my door dressed like this… then tried to get in [the house].'
McGuire warned the community that similar pranks tend to escalate as Halloween approaches and said he hopes people learned from the incident.
