Two Suspects Charged in Deadly Shooting at Columbus Recreation Center
The Columbus Police Department announced charges against two suspects in connection with the August 29, 2025, homicide at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center.
On Monday, September 22, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Navaris Johnson, 18, on a murder warrant. Johnson, identified as the shooter through video evidence, was taken into custody without incident. Investigators also recovered a stolen firearm from Columbus at the residence where he was arrested. Johnson was extradited to Columbus and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. He is scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court on Wednesday, September 24, at 1:30 p.m.
Additionally, JaMorris Baker, 20, who had been arrested on September 11, was charged for his role in the crime. Investigators determined Baker supplied Johnson with the backpack used in the shooting. He faces charges of Murder and Aggravated Assault and remains in custody in Russell County, pending extradition.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on August 29, when officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the recreation center gym. The victim, who had been shot once in the chest during a confrontation, was pronounced deceased at 3:14 p.m. Surveillance video showed the suspect attempting to rob the victim before firing the fatal shot and fleeing with stolen belongings.
Police Chief Stoney Mathis said the swift arrests send a message:
“If you commit violent acts in our city, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable. The dedication of our officers, paired with the partnerships we’ve built, makes that possible.”
Assistant Chief Lance Deaton emphasized that more arrests are expected:
“These two are off the streets, but getting a handle on violent crime is going to take a community effort. We need every citizen to stand with us so that together, we can make Columbus safer.”
Mayor Skip Henderson echoed the department’s zero-tolerance stance:
“A vicious attack like this will not be tolerated. Thanks to the technology we have in place and the dedication of the men and women of the Columbus Police Department, if you commit a crime like this, you have a 100 percent chance of being caught.”
The Columbus Police Department thanked multiple agencies for their assistance, including the Russell, Lee, and Sumter County Sheriff’s Offices, the Phenix City Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Task Force, and CPD’s Violent Crimes and Fugitive Units.
The case remains under investigation, and additional arrests are anticipated.
Case Timeline
- Aug. 29, 2025, 2:30 p.m. — Officers dispatched to Shirley B. Winston Park. Victim shot in chest; pronounced deceased at 3:14 p.m. Surveillance video captures incident.
- Aug. 29, 2025 — Suspect vehicle located at Patriot Place Apartments. Multiple people detained and interviewed.
- Sept. 5, 2025 — Shooter identified as Navaris Johnson through video and social media investigation. Warrants issued.
- Sept. 11, 2025 — JaMorris Baker charged for providing the backpack used in the crime.
- Sept. 22, 2025 — Johnson arrested by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Task Force. Stolen firearm recovered.
- Sept. 23, 2025 — Additional armed robbery warrants issued for both Johnson and Baker.
- Sept. 24, 2025 — Johnson scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court at 1:30 p.m.
