Two Suspects Charged With Murder, Armed Robbery in Killing of 21-Year-Old in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Two men already jailed in connection with a separate carjacking investigation have now been charged with murder and armed robbery in the June shooting death of 21-year-old Jay’Veon Bell, according to the Columbus Police Department.
Police identified the suspects as 26-year-old Waquay Harris and 19-year-old Tristan Chavez Cook.
The homicide occurred on June 22, 2026, when Columbus Police officers responded to reports of a shooting near 31st Avenue and Delta Street.
Responding officers found Bell suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The department’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.
Suspects Each Face Four Charges
Following the investigation, police charged Harris and Cook with:
- Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Police did not release additional details about the circumstances leading to Bell’s shooting or what investigators believe was taken during the alleged robbery.
Both suspects were already being held in the Muscogee County Jail when the homicide charges were filed.
According to police, Harris and Cook were previously jailed on charges stemming from 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 at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The investigation into Bell’s death remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact Cpl. Bobby Jackson with the Columbus Police Department at 706-225-4409 or BobbyJackson@columbusga.org.
