An eight-year-old boy was drowned in a water-filled pit by an 11-year-old bully who held his head underwater.
The young killer, who has not been named, admitted to taking Noah Bush down to a pit full of water before submitting him to the horrific attack in Jesup, Georgia this May. He has charged and sentenced to two years in a detention facility. Another boy, aged 10, was last month handed down a two-year sentence of confinement for concealing the death and trespassing over his role in the incident. Two years is the maximum sentence that can be given to juveniles in the state of Georgia.
Noah had been reported missing on May 15, and his body was found in the pit the next day. Police at the time did not suspect foul play and believed he likely drowned accidentally.
But his sceptical family pushed for a private investigation through a law firm, leading to the two children being charged in July. The 11-year-old attacker later admitting drowning him after leading him down to the clay pits and submerging his head in water. Family attorney Francys Johnson told local station WSBTV: "This 11-year-old admitted under oath he, in fact, led Noah Bush down to the clay pits, pushed him into the water and ultimately held his head under the water until he drowned."
Noah’s mother, Demetrice Bush, told WJCL that she believed a two-year sentence is not long enough for the killing of her son, and said: “My baby was 8 years old with a full life ahead of him. And two years is what the state of Georgia calls justice for an entire life that’s lost.”
The family also believe that the crime was racially motivated, and have asked lawyers from Davis Bozeman Johnson Law to keep pursuing the case. Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis said he wanted prosecution for the "adults who were involved" and "helped mislead this family".
A GoFundMe started by Bush’s teacher Gracie Yoder has now raised over $14,700 (£11,100) to cover the funeral and other expenses. In a tribute accompanying the fundraiser, Ms Yoder wrote on the page: "Noah was an intelligent, kind, and loving child. His light was radiant, and his smile was infectious. He loved playing football, basketball, gaming, and giving out infinite hugs. He will be missed so much, and this loss will leave a hole in so many hearts."