Four individuals, including three teenagers and one 22-year-old, have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of 15-year-old Austin Payne. Payne was found shot inside an abandoned residence in Albany, Georgia, on November 1, the day after Halloween.
Payne's mother discovered his location through his cellphone's tracking capabilities after he failed to return home on Halloween night. Albany Police Chief Michael Persley stated that Payne had contacted his mother to inform her he had been shot.
Investigators identified the suspects as 22-year-old Detravion Parke and two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old, whose names have not been released. All four have been charged with murder and are being held at the Dougherty County Jail.
According to witness accounts reported by WALB, armed individuals approached Payne and a group he was with, demanding their belongings and subsequently opening fire. Police are investigating the possibility that Payne was targeted during an attempted robbery, potentially related to a handgun he had recently displayed on social media.
Payne, who would have turned 16 on November 12, is survived by his mother and a 17-year-old sister. His family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses.
The Albany Police Department is requesting that anyone with further information regarding the shooting contact investigators at 229-431-2100.