Several children have been arrested and charged in the death of a 15-year-old boy, who was found floating in a retention pond.
Zahmere Greene, 15, of Columbus, Georgia, was found dead in a retention pond less than a mile from the Chattahooche River shortly before 2:30 p.m. on May 29.
However, he actually drowned on May 23 and his death was not reported until six days later, according to authorities.
Greene’s death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner with the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office, police spokeswoman Brittany Santiago said. USA TODAY Friday.
After further investigation, police discovered that six minors, ages 9 to 17, witnessed the boy’s death.
Zahmere Greene, 15, of Columbus, Georgia, was found dead in a retention pond less than a mile from the Chattahooche River just before 2:30 p.m. on May 29. After further investigation, police discovered that six minors, ranging in age from 9 to 17, witnessed the boy’s death.
Shane Sano, 17 (pictured), who was the older brother of one of the minors, turned himself in, according to Santiago. He was released after posting $1,500 bail.
One of the children, an 11-year-old boy, was reportedly on top of the victim when he drowned. He is charged with involuntary manslaughter and concealing the death of another person.
Santiago told USA Today that the boy knew the victim and that they were all enrolled in the Muscogee County school district.
The boy is being held at the Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
According to Santiago, Shane Sano, 17, who was the older brother of one of the minors, turned himself in. He was released after posting $1,500 bail.
He was booked into the county jail on June 8 and charged as an adult with concealing the death of another person.
The South Columbus Public Library shared a post on June 1 in honor of Greene, who they said frequented there frequently: ‘Zahmere loved coming to the library and hanging out with our staff. “He was a pleasure to be around, always had a smile on his face and loved to talk about his future career goals, even though they changed every week.”
The other four minors, a 9-year-old boy, two 11-year-old girls and a 12-year-old girl, have been charged with concealing the death of another person. They were released into the custody of their parents.
In an interview with Greene’s aunt, Rhea Vinson, she said The independent that his nephew had “a very vibrant spirit” and was “the most positive person in the room.”
“He was my brother’s only biological child and he looked just like his twin…He loved to dance, sing and make music,” Vinson said.
The South Columbus Public Library shared a post on June 1 honoring Greene, who they said frequented there frequently.
‘Today we honor the life of one of our young patrons, Zahmere Greene. “We just learned of his tragic passing and are very saddened by this news,” the post read.
‘Zahmere loved coming to the library and hanging out with our staff. “He was a pleasure to be around, she always had a smile on his face and loved to talk about his future career goals, even though they changed every week.”