Three More Arrested in Deadly Shooting at Columbus Recreation Center

The Columbus Police Department has announced the arrest of three additional suspects in connection with the August 29, 2025, murder of Jacarie Charles at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center.

Authorities confirmed that Christopher Lee Culler Jr. (18), Cortez James Turner (21), and Elijah Smith (20) have all been charged with Murder and Armed Robbery. The arrests mark a major step forward in the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting that shocked the community earlier this summer.

Police also reported that JaMorris Baker (20), who had previously been named as a suspect, has now been extradited to Columbus and booked into the Muscogee County Jail. At the time of the crime, Baker was already on probation.

Two other suspects had been charged earlier in the investigation. Navaris Trevon Johnson (18), identified through video evidence as the shooter, faces charges of Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. The Columbus Police Department has released a timeline of the events leading to the arrests. Baker faces additional counts of Murder and Aggravated Assault for his alleged role in supplying the backpack used during the incident.

The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected, according to police.

Officials have not yet released details about what led to the shooting, but detectives believe the suspects coordinated their actions leading up to the deadly encounter at the recreation center.

The Columbus Police Department continues to urge anyone with information about the case to contact their Homicide Unit or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 706-653-3188. Tips can remain anonymous.