Albany Police Arrest Four After Teen Found Dead in Abandoned Home
Austin Payne, a 15-year-old boy from Georgia, was found shot to death inside an abandoned residence in Albany on Nov. 1 after his mother tracked his cellphone location following Halloween night. The Albany Police Department subsequently arrested and charged four individuals with murder in connection with the tragic incident, including one adult and three juveniles.
Arrests Made in Dougherty County
Authorities announced the arrests following a swift investigation into the homicide. Law enforcement booked Detravion Parke, 22, along with two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old, into the Dougherty County Jail. All four suspects face formal murder charges.
Officers initially responded to the 800 block of Cameo Lane in Albany on Nov. 1. There, they located the victim dead inside the vacant structure. Payne's mother located the scene independently by utilizing a cellphone tracking application after her son failed to return home from Halloween activities.
During a Nov. 2 news conference, Albany Police Chief Michael Persley revealed that the victim managed to speak with his mother shortly after the shooting occurred.
"He did make a call to his mother that he had been shot," Persley stated.
Investigation and Witness Accounts
To piece together the timeline of the shooting, detectives examined surveillance video, phone records, and statements provided by witnesses. According to these accounts, armed suspects approached a group of individuals walking alongside Payne, demanded personal belongings, and subsequently opened fire. Investigators believe the teenager might have been specifically targeted during an attempted robbery after displaying a handgun on social media recently.
Family Mourns and Seeks Community Support
As the community processes the tragedy, Payne's relatives are preparing for final farewells. The victim would have celebrated his 16th birthday on Nov. 12.
"Our family is trying to process this heartbreaking loss," a relative shared through a public online fundraiser.
Family members established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with upcoming funeral and memorial expenses. Payne is survived by his mother and his 17-year-old sister.
The Albany Police Department urges anyone possessing additional details regarding the case to contact investigators directly at 229-431-2100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged with murder in Albany, Georgia?
Police arrested 22-year-old Detravion Parke, two 15-year-olds, and a 16-year-old, booking all four suspects into the Dougherty County Jail on murder charges.
How was the victim found after Halloween night?
After the 15-year-old victim failed to return home on Halloween, his mother tracked his mobile phone's location to an abandoned house on Cameo Lane.
What did investigators discover about the motive?
Witnesses reported that armed individuals demanded belongings from a group walking with the victim and opened fire, with investigators noting the teen may have been targeted after showing a handgun on social media.