Six kids, including a 9 year old are Arrested in Connection with the Death of 15-Year-Old Zahmere Greene

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

Several children have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Zahmere Greene, a 15-year-old boy from Columbus, Georgia, whose body was discovered floating in a retention pond.

Greene was found dead on May 29 in a pond near the Chattahoochee River, but authorities determined he had actually drowned on May 23. His death went unreported for six days, according to officials.

The Muscogee County Coroner's Office ruled Greene's death as a homicide, police spokesperson Brittany Santiago told USA TODAY on Friday. Further investigation revealed that six juveniles, aged 9 to 17, were present during Greene's drowning. One of them, an 11-year-old boy, was reportedly on top of Greene when he drowned. This boy has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and concealing the death of another.

Shane Sano pictured in a booking photo. Georgia law says 17-year-olds are considered adults when criminally charged

Santiago confirmed that all the involved juveniles, including the victim, were students in the Muscogee County School District. The 11-year-old boy is currently held at the Regional Youth Detention Center.

Additionally, a 17-year-old named Shane Sano, the older brother of one of the female juveniles, turned himself in and was charged as an adult for concealing the death of another. He was released after posting a $1,500 bond. The other minors— a 9-year-old boy, two 11-year-old girls, and a 12-year-old girl—have also been charged with concealing the death and have been released into the custody of their parents.

Zahmere Green pictured before his death last month. Six children, ranging in age from nine to 17, have been charged in connection to his death.

In an interview with The Independent, Greene's aunt, Rhea Vinson, described him as having a "very vibrant spirit" and being "the most positive person in the room." She added, "He was my brother's only biological son, and he looked like his twin... He loved to dance and sing, and make music."

The South Columbus Public Library also shared a tribute to Greene on June 1, honoring his frequent visits. "Today we honor the life of one of 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."

Zahmere Greene, pictured before his death, loved to dance and sing