Alert – 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 for 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 just before 2:30 pm on May 29. 

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

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

After further investigation, police discovered that six juveniles, ranging from age 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 pm on May 29. After further investigation, police discovered that six juveniles, ranging from age 9 to 17, witnessed the boy’s death

The 17-year-old, Shane Sano (pictured), who was the older brother of one of the female juveniles, turned himself in, according to Santiago. He was freed after posting a $1,500 bond.

One of the kids, an 11-year-old boy, was reportedly on top of the victim when he drowned. He is being charged with involuntary manslaughter and concealing the death of another.

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 in Regional Youth Detention Center.

The 17-year-old, Shane Sano, who was the older brother of one of the female juveniles, turned himself in, according to Santiago. He was freed after posting a $1,500 bond.

He was booked into the county jail on June 8 and charged as an adult for concealing the death of another.

The South Columbus Public Library shared a post on June 1 honoring Greene, who they said frequented there often: ‘Zahmere loved to come to the library and hang out with our staff. He was a joy to be around, always had a smile on his face, and he loved talking about his future career goals although 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 for concealing the death of another. They were released into the custody of their parents.

In an interview with Greene’s aunt, Rhea Vinson, told The Independent that her nephew had ‘a very vibrant spirit’ and was ‘the most positive person in the room.’ 

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

The South Columbus Public Library shared a post on June 1 honoring Greene, who they said frequented there often.

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

‘Zahmere loved to come to the library and hang out with our staff. He was a joy to be around, always had a smile on his face, and he loved talking about his future career goals although they changed every week.’