Two young boys, ages 10 and 11, have received sentences for their roles in the death of eight-year-old Noah Bush in Wayne County, Georgia. The case has ignited debates regarding the juvenile justice system and potential racial motivations.
On May 15, 2024, Noah Bush was reported missing after he accompanied the two boys to a prohibited construction site. His body was discovered the following day in a borrow pit, a construction site excavation used for material extraction, filled with water.
The case took a turn from being considered an accident when the 11-year-old admitted to leading Noah to the pit, pushing him into the water, and holding his head under until he drowned. Given his age, the identity of the 11-year-old remains undisclosed. He faced charges of involuntary manslaughter, simple battery, concealing a death, and criminal trespass. The juvenile court in Georgia sentenced him to the maximum penalty of two years in a detention facility on August 22, 2024.
The younger boy, who had a part in hiding Noah’s death, was also sentenced to two years in detention on July 12, 2024, in Wayne County Juvenile Court.
Francys Johnson, the family attorney, confirmed the 11-year-old’s confession, stating, “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.”
The sentencing has been met with strong disapproval from the Bush family, who believe it does not adequately address the death of their son. Noah’s mother, Demetrice Bush, criticized the two-year sentence as inadequate and challenged Georgia’s conception of justice.
The family contends that the crime had racial undertones, as Noah, an African-American child, was killed by two white boys. This belief fuels their quest for further legal action. Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis emphasized the legal process is still ongoing, adding that any adults who may have deceived the family should also face prosecution. The investigation into potential adult involvement, including the 11-year-old’s mother, Natalie Hardison, is ongoing. Hardison has been charged with probation violation and making false statements, although these charges are reportedly not directly tied to Noah’s death.
A GoFundMe campaign started by Noah’s second-grade teacher, Gracie Yoder, has raised over $16,000 to assist the family with expenses. The quest for justice by the Bush family persists, irrespective of the sentencing.
