Georgia teens, adult charged with murder after mom finds son, 15, dead in abandoned home

Three teenagers and an adult have been charged with murder in Georgia after a mother found her 15-year-old son shot to death inside an abandoned residence following Halloween night.

The Albany Police Department said investigators arrested 22-year-old Detravion Parke, as well as two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old in connection with the death of Austin Payne, 15.

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His mother found him by tracking his location via cellphone after he failed to return home on Halloween, according to WALB.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said during a Nov. 2 news conference that Payne had contacted his mother after being shot.Austin Payne, 15, was shot dead inside an abandoned residence in Albany, Georgia after Halloween night. Hall & Hall Funeral Home.

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Witnesses told investigators that armed individuals approached a group walking with Payne, demanded their belongings and opened fire, the outlet reported.Jansquincey Donaldson, 15, was one of three teens arrested over Payne’s murder. Albany Police Department/WALBOmari Marion, 15, was also arrested in connection with Payne’s death. Albany Police Department/WALB

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“Our family is trying to process this heartbreaking loss,” the relative wrote.

The fundraiser also noted that Payne is survived by his mother and 17-year-old sister.

The Albany Police Department is asking anyone with additional information about the shooting to contact investigators at 229-431-2100.

(*) Full article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/08/us-news/georgia-teens-adult-charged-with-murder-after-mom-finds-son-austin-payne-dead-in-home/