9-year-old boy, five friends charged after Georgia teen drowns in pond

Six children of different ages were arrested after their friend drowned in a pond in Georgia.

The 15-year-old, Zahmere Greene, was found dead in a retention pond near the Chattahoochee River on May 29. However, authorities said he drowned on May 23 and his death was not reported for almost a week.

Investigators said the children involved – aged between seven and 17 – witnessed his death. An unnamed 11-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter and concealing the death of another, police said. This boy is being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center.

Learn more: First child flu death of season reported in Louisiana as growing trend sparks concern

Police have not yet revealed the cause of the boy's death. The victim's aunt, Rhea Vinson, said her nephew had a “very vibrant spirit” and was “always the most positive person in the room.”

She told The Independent: “He was my brother's only biological son and he looked like his twin. He loved dancing, singing and making music.”

Additionally, the South Columbus Public Library shared a message in Greene's honor. The page published on June 1: “Today we honor the life of one of our young patrons, Zahmere Greene. We have just learned of his tragic passing and are very saddened by this news.

“Zahmere loved coming to the library and spending time with our staff. He was a joy to be around, he always had a smile on his face and he loved talking about his future career goals, even if they changed every week.

Police also arrested Shane Sano, 17, for concealing a death in connection with the case. Sano is considered an adult under Georgia state law and is being held in the Muscogee County Jail. Two 11-year-olds, a 12-year-old and a 9-year-old were also all charged with concealing a death. The four witnesses charged by police are now with their parents, according to police.

It comes as a woman was sentenced to life in prison after admitting to strangling her 4-year-old daughter to death.

Click on here follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment news.

Tianna Robinson, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the death of her 4-year-old daughter, Nahla Miller, and was sentenced to life with the possibility of release conditional after 30 years. The tragic incident occurred on April 13, 2021, when Robinson and her boyfriend left Nahla alone at their Springfield Township home while they went shopping.

When they returned, they discovered that Nahla had urinated on herself, which allegedly triggered Robinson's violent outburst. Prosecutors said Robinson punched Nahla multiple times and eventually strangled her.

Nahla suffered serious injuries, including a broken arm and bruising to her lungs, liver, stomach and other internal organs. She was placed on life support for nine days before succumbing to her injuries.

Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty against Robinson because of the seriousness of the crime. However, as the case progressed over two years, questions arose regarding Robinson's mental competence.