Two suspects arrested in June murder of 21-year-old Jay’Veon Bell
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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