Four people, including three teenagers, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after 15-year-old Austin Payne was found shot dead in an abandoned apartment in Albany, Georgia.
Payne’s mother, Kimberly Payne, discovered his body on the floor of the property after tracking his phone when he failed to return home. Police were called to the apartment on the morning of November 1.
The teenager had reportedly phoned his mother at about 8pm the previous evening, saying he had been shot and needed help. Police said she believed he might be joking because of remarks he had made in the past.
Security footage showed six people walking towards the building at about 7.35pm on Halloween night. Around 20 minutes later, a person was recorded jumping from a window at the apartment.
Witnesses told police that Payne and a group he had been walking with were approached by armed individuals who demanded their belongings before shots were fired.
Police said Payne had recently posted a photograph of a handgun on social media, which witnesses believe may have motivated the attack. An account apparently linked to the teenager showed him holding what appeared to be a handgun and carrying one in his waistband in photographs posted on October 15.
The four suspects have been identified as Jansquincey Donaldson, 15, Omari Marion, 15, Adarious Wallace, 16, and Detravion Parker, 22. All four were taken into custody and are being held at Dougherty County Jail.
Payne was due to turn 16 on November 12, according to a fundraising appeal created by his cousin, Savannah Rogers.
“Our family is trying to process this heartbreaking loss,” the appeal said. “He left behind his older 17-year-old sister and his mom, and they are going through a hard time and need all the support and help they can get.”
Payne’s sister, Aubree, wrote on Facebook: “I never thought you would be taken away from me so soon. I love you little bro with all of my heart.”
“We will find out who did this to you. I promise. The loss of you won’t be in vain. Justice will be served. Until we meet again,” she added.
His obituary said Payne greatly enjoyed the outdoors and was often found fishing, hunting and riding four-wheelers.
