WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - New developments in the horrific death of 8-year-old Noah Bush in Wayne County back in May of 2024. He was drowned to death in a clay pit.

A 10-year-old and 11-year-old were found responsible for killing him.

They were sentenced to two years in confinement, back in August.

We’re learning now, less than seven months into their two year sentence- an 11-year-old, who was convicted in connection with Noah’s death, has been released from the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The 11-year-old’s charges are involuntary manslaughter, concealing the death of another, simple battery, and criminal trespass. The 10-year-old’s charges are concealing the death of another and trespassing.

The DJJ sent a letter to Noah’s mom and Noah dated February 24th, informing them that the 11-year-old charged in Noah’s killing, has been released from DJJ after less than seven months of his sentence.

“The blood is on their hands,” said Noah’s Mom, Demetrice Fuller.

Noah’s mother said this is a slap in the face, to what she calls an already unjust punishment of two years for his death.

“Until my last breath I will always fight for justice for Noah,” said Fuller.

It was 186 days to be exact, from when the two boys were arrested- till this child was released from the DJJ. According to the family, they do believe the 10-year-old was released as well, but the DJJ cannot confirm or deny that because of juvenile confidentiality.

The DJJ also told WTOC since the two boys were sentenced to a “two-year commitment,” that can mean in custody, or out in the community.

“I was told that they would be gone for at least two years, it’s been less than a year my son hasn’t been buried an entire year and his killer is already out. Just walking the streets living a normal life as if nothing ever happened,” said Fuller.

The Wayne County Sheriff told WTOC they weren’t aware that these two kids were released either, until one of their deputies saw the 11-year-old at a family member’s house. The DA’s Victim Assistance Program referred us back to DJJ for answers when we called.

“Wayne County and the State of Georgia truly failed my family, this is not justice. I feel like more time should have been given to these juveniles and I do believe that at least at least one of the two will most definitely re-offend,” said Fuller.

We reached out to the Wayne County Schools Superintendent, Ms. Toni Williams, to ask if these two boys would be allowed back into the school system.

Superintendent Williams told us, “We follow state law.” We asked several follow-up questions and were still told the same answer, “We follow state law. The law is we have to educate students.” That is all she would say.

“I am in fear for other people’s children if they are released back into the school system. I know there are a lot of other parents who are outraged and they’re worried because you have to think about it, this is a murderer that’s gonna be sitting at the desk next to your child or on the bus with your child,” said Fuller.

This 11-year-old was released all while a restitution hearing for Noah’s family is set for this Thursday.

A school board meeting began at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Noah’s family with many supporters showed up to demand answers as to if these two boys will be sitting next to their children in the coming days.

You can catch the full interview with Noah’s mom here:

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