Man arrested in Philadelphia is latest suspect in Columbus recreation center murder
Police have arrested a man in Philadelphia, PA in connection to the murder at a Columbus, GA recreation center.
The incident occurred on August 29, 2025, when officers responded to Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center after reports of a male being shot inside the gym.
The victim, identified as Jacarie Charles, 22, was located with a gunshot wound and pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Surveillance video captured the suspect confronting the victim, attempting to take his belongings, and then shooting him once in the chest,” police said. The suspect then stole items from the victim before fleeing.”
Nearly a month after the murder, on September 22, 2025, law enforcement arrested Navaris Johnson, 18, on a murder warrant. Johnson, identified as the shooter through video evidence, was taken into custody without incident. A stolen firearm from Columbus was also recovered during a search of the residence where Johnson was arrested. Additionally, JaMorris Baker, 20, who was arrested on September 11, 2025, has been charged for his role in the crime. Investigators determined Baker supplied the backpack to Johnson just prior to the shooting.
Baker
Johnson
Johnson was charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and Baker was charged with murder and aggravated assault.
On September 30, 2025, police arrested Elijah Smith, 20, Cortez Turner, 21, and Christopher Culler, 18, in connection with the investigation. All three were charged with murder and armed robbery.
Image: CPDGA
On November 17, 2025, a sixth suspect was taken into custody in connection with the shooting death of Jacarie Charles.
Dominick Gill, 20, was arrested in Philadelphia by the U.S. Marshals and is awaiting extradition to Columbus. He will be charged with Murder and Armed Robbery.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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