Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Death of 29-year-old Columbus Woman
An arrest has been made in the hit-and-run traffic incident that led to the death of Seadrina Cooks, 29, on January 6, 2024. The incident occurred at the intersection of Cussetta Road and Old Cussetta Road.
James Walter Smith, 50, was arrested without incident in Columbus, GA, on March 12, 2024, by members of the Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Division and the CPD Motor Squad.
Cooks was walking in the vicinity of Cussetta Road and Old Cussetta Road in the early morning hours of January 6, 2024, when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Smith, who fled the scene. The Motor Squad’s investigation identified Smith as the primary suspect, who then left the area. Warrants were subsequently issued, leading to his arrest on March 12, 2024.
Smith has been charged with the following:
- Homicide by Vehicle in the 1st Degree (F)
- Hit/Run (F)
- Driving with a suspended license
- Various other traffic charges
Walter Smith is scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court on March 14, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.
