Two young boys, ages 10 and 11, received sentencing for their part in the death of eight-year-old Noah Bush who drowned in Wayne County, Georgia. The case prompted widespread discussions on the juvenile justice system and potential racial implications.

On May 15, 2024, Noah Bush went missing after he entered a restricted construction site alongside the two boys. The following day, his body was discovered in a borrow pit filled with water, a type of excavation used for extracting construction materials.

Initially deemed an accident, the case took a shift when the older boy confessed to luring Noah to the pit, pushing him into the water, and holding him underwater until he drowned. The 11-year-old has remained unidentified publicly due to his age. He was accused of involuntary manslaughter, simple battery, concealing a death, and criminal trespass. He was given the maximum punishment for a minor in Georgia, two years in a detention center.

The younger boy, who assisted in hiding Noah’s death, was sentenced in Wayne County Juvenile Court. He too was given a two-year detention sentence.

The family’s attorney, Francys Johnson expressed, “This 11-year-old admitted under oath that he led Noah Bush to the clay pits, pushed him into the water, and ultimately held his head under until he drowned.” 

Noah’s family strongly protested the sentencing, claiming it does not provide justice for their son’s death. His mother, Demetrice Bush, was outspoken about her dissatisfaction, considering the two-year sentence inadequate and questioning Georgia’s interpretation of justice.

The Bush family has suggested that the crime was racially motivated, as Noah, a Black child, was killed by two White boys. This belief is fuelling their pursuit of additional legal action. Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis emphasized that the legal proceedings are not over, asserting that any adults who misled the family should face full prosecution. The investigation into the involvement of adults, especially the 11-year-old’s mother, Natalie Hardison, is ongoing. She faces charges of probation violation and making false statements, although these charges are not directly related to Noah’s death.

A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Noah’s second-grade teacher, Gracie Yoder, raised over $16,000 to assist the family with expenses. T

Noah’s family is advocating for ‘Noah’s Law’ which aims to alter the penalties for young offenders in Georgia and also introduce consequences for parents. Noah’s law aims to impose stricter penalties not just on minors who engage in violent offenses but also on their parents, and the Bush family believes this should be relevant in their situation.

“If you’re hesitant to penalize the children, then you should hold the parents accountable. A parent can be arrested for their child skipping school and face jail time for that, yet they are not punished for a murder,” stated Demetrice Bush.