Detravion Parker, 22, and three teenagers have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Austin Payne in Albany, Georgia. Payne was found dead inside an abandoned apartment on November 1, 2026, after his mother tracked his cellphone when he failed to return home following Halloween night.
Investigators believe the shooting may have stemmed from an attempted robbery involving a handgun Payne had recently displayed on social media. The circumstances remain under investigation, and none of the four defendants has been convicted.
Four Suspects Arrested in Austin Payne's Murder
On November 4, 2026, the Albany Police Department announced the arrests of four people following an investigation into Payne's death.
The suspects were identified as:
- Detravion Parker, 22
- Jansquincey Donaldson, 15
- Omari Marion, 15
- Adarious Wallace, 16
All four were charged with murder and booked into the Dougherty County Jail. Police said investigators identified the suspects following interviews and a review of evidence connected to the shooting.
Mother Discovers Son's Body After Tracking His Phone
Payne's mother began searching for him on the morning of November 1 after he failed to return home. Using cellphone tracking, she located his device at an apparently abandoned apartment at 810 Cameo Lane, Apartment B.
She entered the property and found her son unresponsive on the floor. Officers responded at approximately 9:51 a.m., and Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler pronounced Payne dead at around 10:30 a.m.
According to the incident report cited by local broadcaster WALB, Payne had contacted his mother the previous evening, at approximately 8:03 p.m. on October 31, telling her that he had been shot and needed help.
His mother initially believed he might have been joking because of previous remarks, but became concerned when she could no longer reach him.
Witnesses Describe Armed Robbery Attempt
Investigators reconstructed parts of the incident using surveillance footage, cellphone records, and witness statements.
Witnesses told police they were walking with Payne along a pathway between Sands Drive and Cameo Lane when several armed individuals approached the group. The suspects allegedly demanded their belongings before opening fire.
According to witness accounts cited in the police report, Payne may have been specifically targeted because of a handgun he had recently displayed on social media.
Investigators recovered seven 9mm shell casings from the area near the reported shooting location.
Surveillance footage also showed six individuals walking toward the apartment building at approximately 7:35 p.m. A separate recording captured someone wearing a hoodie and shorts jumping out of an apartment window at approximately 7:58 p.m.
These details formed part of the investigation into the events surrounding Payne's death. However, police have not publicly established the precise roles of all four defendants in the shooting.
Possible Motive Remains Under Investigation
The suspected robbery involving Payne's handgun has emerged as a significant investigative lead. Witnesses reportedly believed the group wanted to take the weapon after seeing it on social media.
However, the alleged robbery motive has not been established as a proven fact in court. Authorities have not released a complete account of how the confrontation began or whether all four defendants were directly involved in the shooting.
Family Mourns Austin Payne
Payne's death devastated his family, who established an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses.
According to the family's fundraising appeal, Payne was expected to celebrate his 16th birthday on November 12, less than two weeks after his death. He is survived by his mother and older sister.
The family has asked for community support as they cope with the loss and prepare his funeral arrangements.
Investigation and Criminal Proceedings
The Albany Police Department continues to investigate the killing and is seeking additional information from witnesses or anyone who may have knowledge of the incident.
As of November 9, 2026, Detravion Parker, Jansquincey Donaldson, Omari Marion, and Adarious Wallace face murder charges in connection with Austin Payne's death. Authorities have not publicly announced a trial date or disclosed a complete breakdown of the allegations against each defendant.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the Albany Police Department at 229-431-2100 or Crime Stoppers at 229-436-8477.
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