Sixth Suspect Captured in Philadelphia for Deadly Columbus Recreation Center Shooting
A sixth suspect is now in custody in the murder of Jacarie Charles, according to the Columbus Police Department in Columbus, Georgia. Twenty-year-old Dominick Gill was arrested in Philadelphia by the U.S. Marshals and is awaiting extradition to Columbus. Once returned, he will face charges of Murder and Armed Robbery.
The deadly shooting happened on August 29, 2025, at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center. Five suspects had already been arrested in the case: JaMorris Baker, Navaris Johnson, Elijah Smith, Cortez Turner, and Christopher Culler.
Recent developments in the case:
On September 30, 2025, Columbus Police announced the arrests of three additional suspects from the department’s Fugitive Unit:
• Elijah Smith, 20
• Cortez Turner, 21
• Christopher Culler, 18
All three are charged with Murder and Armed Robbery.
During the same update, police confirmed that earlier arrestee JaMorris Baker had been extradited to Columbus and booked into the Muscogee County Jail.
Background on the investigation:
The first major break came on September 22, 2025, when the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested 18-year-old Navaris Johnson. Investigators identified Johnson as the shooter through surveillance video. A stolen gun from Columbus was recovered during the search of the residence where he was taken into custody. Johnson was charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. He was scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court on September 24, 2025.
Police also charged 20-year-old JaMorris Baker, who was arrested on September 11, 2025. Investigators say Baker supplied the backpack used by Johnson just before the shooting. He faces charges of Murder and Aggravated Assault and is awaiting extradition from Russell County.
The incident:
Officers responded to Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center on August 29, 2025, after receiving reports of a male shot inside the gym. The victim, later identified as Jacarie Charles, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 3:14 p.m. Surveillance video shows the suspect confronting Charles, attempting to rob him, then shooting him before stealing his belongings and running from the scene.
Police say strong investigative work and community partnerships made the rapid identification of suspects possible.
Chief Stoney Mathis said, “Our message is clear. If you commit violent acts in our city, we will find you and hold you accountable.”
Mayor Skip Henderson echoed that message, adding, “Thanks to the technology we have in place and the dedication of our officers, if you commit a crime like this, you have a 100 percent chance of being caught.”
Case timeline:
• Aug. 29, 2025, 2:30 p.m. – Officers respond to the recreation center. Charles found shot in the chest and later pronounced dead.
• Aug. 29, 2025 – Suspect vehicle found at Patriot Place Apartments. Several people interviewed.
• Sept. 5, 2025 – Shooter identified as Navaris Johnson; warrants issued.
• Sept. 11, 2025 – Baker charged for providing the backpack used in the crime.
• Sept. 22, 2025 – Johnson arrested; stolen firearm recovered.
• Sept. 23, 2025 – Armed Robbery warrants added for Johnson and Baker.
• Sept. 30, 2025 – Smith, Turner, and Culler arrested by the Fugitive Unit.
• Nov. 2025 – Dominick Gill arrested in Philadelphia as the sixth suspect.
