Six juveniles have been charged in the drowning death of a 15-year-old Georgia boy, the Columbus Police Department announced.
On May 29, officers responded to reports of a body floating in a retention pond behind a residential area of the Oakland Park neighborhood.
The body, later identified as 15-year-old Zahmere Greene, is believed to have been in the water for six days.
The Muscogee County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a homicide by drowning.
Investigators later learned that six juveniles witnessed the drowning including an 11-year-old who was on top of the victim when he drowned.
The boy was charged with involuntary manslaughter and is being held in the Regional Youth Detention Center.
The other suspects: a 17-year-old boy, a 12-year-old girl, two 11-year-old girls, and a 9-year-old boy, were charged with concealing the death of another.
“The Columbus Police Department emphasized the importance of parents encouraging their children to speak up immediately when they know something is wrong,” police said.
“The principle of ‘see something say something’ is vital in helping prevent tragedies and ensuring the safety of our community.”
