The death of Noah Bush, an 8-year-old boy from Georgia, has been ruled a homicide nearly two months after he was found underwater in a construction pit. Authorities have charged two boys, ages 11 and 10, in connection with the case.
Noah’s family had long questioned the circumstances of his death and fought for justice for 55 days. On Wednesday, they announced that Noah’s death had been officially ruled a homicide, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times. OMCC“I just want to thank the community. If it wasn’t for you guys standing by my side to fight for justice, we wouldn’t have gotten to this point,” said Demetrice Bush, Noah’s mother.
Noah was found dead on May 16 in a borrow pit, a place used to store building materials, near his home in Jesup after going missing the night before. Authorities initially claimed Noah had drowned and no foul play was suspected. However, Noah’s family and protesters in Wayne County demanded a more thorough investigation, which they believe was improperly conducted.
“The story they were told was that their son had accidentally drowned. At the time they knew that wasn’t true and today we can confirm that,” said Francys Johnson, a lawyer for the Bush family.
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Doctors were awaiting Noah’s autopsy report, which they received Monday. The report confirmed no injuries consistent with a “fight” or the use of a weapon. The medical examiner ruled Noah’s cause of death as drowning, but classified the manner of death as homicide based on information uncovered during the investigation.
Authorities have charged an 11-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy at Noah’s deathDue to Georgia law, their names have not been released. The 11-year-old is charged with simple assault, involuntary manslaughter, concealing the death of another person and home invasion. The 10-year-old is charged with concealing the death of another person and home invasion.
At a juvenile detention hearing, bonds were set at $10,000 and $5,000 for the boys. Johnson explained that Noah had left with two boys he knew and trusted, which tragically ended in an argument and his death. “He left with people that he thought were his friends and people he trusted,” Johnson said. Authorities are still investigating whether any adults had knowledge of or involvement in Noah’s death.