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Written by: E. George
Published July 14, 2024 @ 8:30 PM ET
WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. – Arrests have been made in a case involving the drowning death of an eight-year-old Jesup boy who went missing on May 16, 2024, and whose body was discovered the following day. The second-grade student at James E. Bacon Elementary School tragically drowned in a construction “borrow pit” (a deep hole used to provide fill material on construction sites).
Authorities initially considered Noah Bush’s death an accidental drowning; however, further investigation caused them to rule it a homicide. They originally believed he had removed his shoes and walked around the site, either not seeing or ignoring the “No Trespassing” signage, but his parents knew it did not add up.
They explained that Noah feared deep water and would not have willingly entered the pit, so they hired a private investigator and attorneys to uncover the truth. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation became involved and interviewed the children who were present at the time of the incident.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the attorneys shared the results of the autopsy with the public, which determined the official cause of death drowning and the manner of death homicide.
Wayne County Sheriff Robert E. “Chuck” Moseley confirmed the arrests of two juvenile males, ages 10 and 11. He revealed that the older boy had allegedly pushed the victim and was charged with involuntary manslaughter, simple battery, criminal trespass, and concealing the death of another, while the younger boy was charged with criminal trespass and concealing the death of another.
The suspects’ identities have not yet been revealed, but officials believe the victim knew them. The family’s lawyers said, “He walked away with people he thought were friends and trustworthy.”
No adults have been arrested, but the attorneys stated, “The adults who helped to conceal and obstruct the investigation, and who, instead of telling the truth, became co-participants in this tragedy need to be held accountable.
The adults involved lied. We won’t stop until you’re held accountable for your actions.”
A family obituary expressed that Noah “was such a smart, loving, kind, shy, but yet so outgoing child, whose smile and charm could light up the room. Noah loved basketball and football and couldn’t wait to make it to the pros to dunk on LeBron.”
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact authorities.