Six Children Charged in Drowning Death of 15-Year-Old Boy, Georgia Police Say

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Links:

• https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Atlanta,+Georgia/Ormand+Dr,+Columbus,+GA+31903/@33.0730431,-86.0241841,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x88f5045d6993098d:0x66fede2f990b630b!2m2!1d-84.3876845!2d33.748752!1m5!1m1!1s0x888cd2bf4918f707:0xd6c3ca3241d42e92!2m2!1d-84.9567496!2d32.4156102!3e0?entry=ttu
• https://www.columbusga.gov/Police
• https://public.muscogee.k12.ga.us/

Sources: Brittany Santiago, Columbus Georgia Police Department; Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY.

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Six children, ages 9-17, have been charged in connection with the drowning death of 15-year-old Zahmere Greene in Georgia, according to police. The incident took place in Columbus, GA, on May 23, with Zahmere's body being found in a retention pond on May 29.

"The Columbus Police Department emphasizes the importance of parents encouraging their children to speak up immediately when they know something is wrong. The principle of “see something, say something” is vital in helping prevent tragedies and ensuring the safety of our community."

-- Columbus Georgia Police Department Facebook page

The Muscogee County Coroner's Office ruled Zahmere's death a homicide. Police reported that six juveniles witnessed the drowning, including an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly on top of the victim when he died.

Charges and arrests have been made:

• A 17-year-old boy (charged as an adult): Concealing the death of another.
• A 12-year-old girl: Concealing the death of another.
• An 11-year-old boy: Involuntary manslaughter and concealing the death of another.
• Three 11-year-old girls: Concealing the death of another.
• A 9-year-old boy: Concealing the death of another.

The 11-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy are being held in detention centers, while the other four juveniles were released to their parents.