2 children sentenced for intentional drowning death of boy that attorney says was racially motivated

WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) – Two children have been sentenced in the drowning death of another child in Georgia that happened in May.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, 8-year-old Noah Bush was intentionally drowned on May 15, the day he was reported missing. His body was found the next day, thanks to K-9s and search efforts.

At first, officials thought the drowning may have been accidental, but an autopsy ruled his death a homicide.

Officials said the two children charged in Noah’s death are just 10 and 11 years old.

The 10-year-old has already been sentenced in the case for concealing the death of another and tresing, although the exact sentence was not clear.

The 11-year-old appeared in court Wednesday on charges of simple battery, involuntary manslaughter, concealing the death of another, and criminal tresing.

The 11-year-old pleaded guilty to all four counts.

Prosecutors said the 11-year-old itted to leading Noah down to clay pits, pushing him into the water, and holding his head under water until he drowned.

“He walked away with people he believed were his friends and trustworthy,” Noah’s family attorney Francys Johnson said.

The 11-year-old child received the maximum sentence allowable by Georgia state law, which is two years of confinement.

However, Noah’s family said the sentence is not enough.

“This isn’t justice,” Noah’s mother Demetrice Bush said. “My baby was 8 years old with a full life ahead of him. And two years [of confinement] is what the state of Georgia calls justice for an entire life that’s lost.”

Johnson said the death was a consequence of adults teaching hate and that he believes the crime was racially motivated.

“There are people who feel that way. They fly flags in their yards, post signs, they get on Facebook. They do this in front of their children as if their children are not just soaking this up. This is the consequence when you don’t stand against hate,” Johnson said.

Officials said no adults have been charged in the case. However, Noah’s family and attorneys said they want to see charges brought against adults who they believe had a hand in influencing the children.

The mother of the 11-year-old child is behind bars on other charges unrelated to the case, including probation violation, officials said.

Johnson said Wednesday’s court date was “the most heart-wrenching hearing that I think I’ve been a part of in my practice.”

Noah’s mom said even with two children now sentenced, the case is not over for her.

“There is no peace, there is no comfort, there is no closure for me,” she said through tears. “I will live with this for the rest of my life.”

The names of the children responsible for Noah’s death have not been released. According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia state law does not allow the names of juveniles to be released.

Noah was a second grader at James E. Bacon Elementary School when he died. The Wayne County School System released a statement at the time that read:

“It is with deep sadness that the Wayne County School System family acknowledges the death of James E. Bacon Elementary School second-grade student Noah Bush. Noah had also formerly been a student at Jesup Elementary School. Having been a Bacon Bee for several years, Noah’s ing will certainly have a significant impact on students and staff at that school. As a result, the school system had grief counselors on-site at JEB yesterday and will have them there again today to assist those who may need to talk with someone. Please be in prayer for Noah’s family during this difficult time and them with love and comion.”

Noah’s second grade teacher Gracie Yoder set up a GoFundMe page to help Noah’s family with expenses.

“Noah was an intelligent, kind, and loving child. His light was radiant, and his smile was infectious,” Yoder wrote on the page. “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.”

Noah’s family also set up a second GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $100,000.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment after Wednesday’s sentencing.

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