Shooting at Avalon Apartments Leaves One Dead, Teen Suspect Caught in Alabama

On Friday, May 17, 2024, at 12:11 p.m., Columbus Police officers responded to a shooting incident at the Avalon Apartments, located in the 3700 block of Cusseta Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered Raquise Walls, a 20-year-old Black male, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived and transported Walls to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where he was pronounced dead at 12:54 p.m.

The Violent Crimes Unit was called to the scene to lead the investigation. Preliminary findings identified Jaylen Paige, 19, as the suspect. Warrants for Paige’s arrest were issued on charges of murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Paige was apprehended over the weekend in Phenix City, Alabama. He was taken into custody at 5:25 p.m. by the Columbus Police Department’s Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the Phenix City Police Department.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Corporal Adam Moyer at 706-225-4435 or amoyer@columbusga.org. Information can also be submitted anonymously.