Three additional arrests made in August murder at Columbus recreation center; investigation ongoing
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- Three more individuals arrested in August 29 recreation center murder; total of five now charged in case.
- Suspects face murder and armed robbery charges; investigation ongoing with additional arrests anticipated.
Columbus Police have arrested three more individuals in connection with the August 29, 2025, murder of Jacarie Charles at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center.
Image: Columbus GA Police Department
Christopher Culler, 18, Cortez Turner, 21, and Elijah Smith, 20, were taken into custody and each charged with murder and armed robbery, police announced.
In addition, JaMorris Baker, 20, who was previously identified as a suspect, has now been extradited to Columbus and booked into the Muscogee County Jail.
Baker was one of two suspects initially charged in the case. He is accused of supplying the backpack used in the crime and faces charges of murder and aggravated assault.
Navaris Johnson, 18, was also previously charged after investigators used video evidence to identify him as the alleged shooter. Johnson is charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
The investigation remains ongoing with additional arrests anticipated.
The Columbus Police Department is asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
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