In Albany, Georgia, three teenagers and an adult have been formally charged with murder after a 15-year-old boy was found fatally shot inside an unoccupied building. The discovery was made by the victim's mother on November 1, following Halloween night.
The Albany Police Department announced the arrests of Detravion Parke, 22, along with two individuals aged 15 and one aged 16. These four suspects are accused in connection with the death of Austin Payne, also 15 years old.
All four individuals have been charged with murder and subsequently transferred to the Dougherty County Jail, according to official police statements.
Law enforcement officers responded to the 800 block of Cameo Lane in Albany on the morning of November 1. There, they located Payne's body within an abandoned home. His mother initiated the search for him after he did not return home on Halloween, ultimately using his cellphone's location tracking to find him.
During a news conference held on November 2, Albany Police Chief Michael Persley revealed that Payne had managed to contact his mother after sustaining the gunshot wound.
"He did make a call to his mother that he had been shot," Chief Persley stated.
Investigation Progresses
Investigators meticulously reviewed various pieces of evidence, including surveillance footage, cellphone records, and statements from witnesses, to piece together the sequence of events leading to Payne's untimely death.
Witnesses informed authorities that a group, which included Payne, was confronted by armed individuals. These assailants reportedly demanded personal belongings before opening fire.
Information suggests that Payne may have become a target during what appears to be an attempted robbery. This incident possibly involved a handgun that he had recently displayed on social media platforms.
Family Seeks Support Amidst Grief
Payne's family has initiated an online fundraiser through GoFundMe to help manage the funeral expenses following their profound loss.
A family member shared that Austin Payne would have celebrated his 16th birthday on November 12.
"Our family is trying to process this heartbreaking loss," a relative expressed in a statement on the fundraiser page.
The fundraiser also notes that Payne is survived by his mother and his 17-year-old sister.
The Albany Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information concerning the shooting to contact investigators directly at 229-431-2100.