PERRY, Ga. -- A preliminary autopsy concludes how a Perry teen was killed.
Samuel Poss, 18, was strangled to death, according to Perry police Capt. Heath Dykes. Poss also suffered stab wounds to the front torso, Dykes said.
Dakota White, 17, and Brandon Warren, 18, have both been charged with murder in the death. They're being held in Houston County jail without bond.
PHOTOS: Two charged in Sam Poss killing
Poss funeral arrangements
Funeral service for Poss is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Perry, 1105 Main St.
The following is Poss's obituary published on Watson-Hunt Funeral Home's website.
Samuel Christian "Sam" Poss, 18, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 15, 2016. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 24, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Perry. The family will visit with friends immediately following the service. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the Sam Poss Memorial Scholarship Fund that will be created for a percussionist student each year. Any donations may be mailed to Watson-Hunt Funeral Home, P. O. Box 52, Perry, GA 31069.
Sam was born in Cary, North Carolina, and spent all of his school years in Perry, attending Perry Primary School, Tucker Elementary School, Perry Middle School, and Perry High School, from which he graduated in 2016. He was always a happy-go-lucky kid. A lifetime "barefooter," he was always being told, "put on your shoes!" Through the years, he discovered that music, gaming, and tinkering with computers were the things he enjoyed most. In fact, he was very computer savvy and liked helping others fix their computer issues. Sam was always pleased to be able to assist others, and always helped his Nana and Papa whenever they needed him. Sam also earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, of which he was so proud.
In middle school, he developed a passion for playing percussion in the band, and music, in general. His band director made "Sam Poss Day" at the high school, where all the kids would wear their socks like Sam - one tall sock and one short sock. During Sam's Senior year, he led the percussions as the Captain of the Drum Line. Recently, Sam had begun teaching himself to play the piano, which he actually did quite well.
Sam was a traveler all of his life, with his parents and his grandparents, learning to appreciate the world and all it had to offer. He truly loved spending time at the beach, and cherished the memories of vacations up and down coastal Georgia, Florida, and even California. On his 12th birthday, he was celebrating at the Grand Canyon, and his 17th birthday was spent at the famous Bonnaroo Music Festival, something he had dreamed of attending. Sam also had aspirations of joining the US Navy, like his father and his grandfather before him, hoping to eventually be stationed in Japan, and traveling the world while proudly serving our country.
In the past few months since graduation, Sam was spending the final time of his life as a kid. He did not have to "adult" yet, and was just happy being Sam. He had a heart for animals, and rescued a sweet dog that has loved and protected him unconditionally.
Left to cherish the memories of Sam are his mother, Nicole Poss of Macon; his father, Chris Poss of Perry; his brother, Logan Poss of Perry; his paternal grandparents, Nana Judy and Papa Jim Poss of Perry; his beloved dog, Annebelle; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
To honor Sam, the family invites everyone to wear casual clothes to the service, and if you so choose, celebrate "Sam Poss Day" like the band does by wearing one tall sock and one short sock, or come barefoot! Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
