Columbus man shot, killed in local recreation center’s gym
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- 22-year-old Jacarie Charles was shot and killed in Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center's gym on August 29, 2025.
- Recreation center closed for the week; investigation ongoing by Columbus Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit.
A Columbus man has died following a shooting inside of a local recreation center.
The shooting occurred just after 2:30 P.M. on Friday, August 29, 2025, inside of the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center. Authorities from the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Muscogee County School District Police Department, and Columbus Fire and EMS responded to the scene.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirmed 22-year-old Jacarie Charles was pronounced deceased on scene from a gunshot wound to the chest area. Charles was reportedly killed in the gym of the recreation center, according to Councilwoman Toyia Tucker.
Shortly after the shooting, a large law enforcement presence was seen leaving the scene. We later learned that the presence was heading to the Residence at Patriot Place apartment complex on Buena Vista Road. Details surrounding the presence on Buena Vista Road remain unclear.
Councilwoman Toyia Tucker also announced on her social media pages that the recreation center would be closed for the rest of the week while “the city is taking all precautions to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons.”
The investigation remains ongoing by the Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Department.
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