Two suspects arrested in June murder of 21-year-old Jay’Veon Bell
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- Two suspects arrested for June 2026 murder of 21-year-old Jay'Veon Bell in Columbus shooting.
- Waquay Harris, 26, and Tristan Cook, 19, charged with murder, armed robbery, and firearm offenses.
The Columbus Police Department has arrested two suspects in connection with the June murder of 21-year-old Jay’Veon Bell.
On June 22, 2026, Columbus Police officers responded to the area of 31st Avenue and Delta Street following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Bell suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The department’s Violent Crimes Unit responded and took the lead in the investigation.
Police have identified the suspects as 26-year-old Waquay Harris and 19-year-old Tristan Cook. Both have been charged with:
Murder
Armed robbery
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
According to police, Harris and Cook were already being held in the Muscogee County Jail in connection with a separate carjacking investigation.
Those charges include hijacking a motor vehicle, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Harris and Cook are scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
The murder investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Bobby Jackson with the Columbus Police Department at 706-225-4409 or by email at [email protected].
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