Six children as young as nine are arrested over death of boy, 15, whose body was found floating in pond six days after he drowned

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 on May 29 just before 2:30 p.m.

However, according to authorities, he drowned on May 23 and his death was not reported until six days later.

Greene’s death was ruled a homicide by the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office medical examiner, police spokeswoman Brittany Santiago said. USA TODAY Friday.

After further investigation, police discovered that six youths, ranging in age from 9 to 17, witnessed the boy’s death.

17-year-old Shane Sano (pictured), the older brother of one of the female youths, turned himself in, Santiago said. 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 Youth Detention Center.

17-year-old Shane Sano, the older brother of one of the female youths, turned himself in, Santiago said. 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.

The South Columbus Public Library shared a message on June 1 honoring Greene, who they said was a frequent visitor: “Zahmere enjoyed coming to the library and interacting with our staff. He was a pleasure to be around, he always had a smile on his face and he loved talking about his future career goals, even though they changed every week.”

The four other 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. They were released into the care of their parents.

In an interview with Greene’s aunt, Rhea Vinson said The independent that her cousin had “a very lively spirit” and was “the most positive person in the room.”

“He was my brother’s only biological son and he looked like his twin brother… He loved to dance, sing and play music,” Vinson said.

The South Columbus Public Library shared a message on June 1 honoring Greene, who they said was a frequent visitor there.

“Today we honor the life of one of our young patrons, Zahmere Greene. We just learned of his tragic passing and are so saddened by this news,” the post said.

“Zahmere loved coming to the library and hanging out with our staff. He was a pleasure to be with, he always had a smile on his face and he enjoyed talking about his future career goals, even though they changed every week.”