Columbus Police announced this morning that they have two suspects in custody for the murder of Jacarie Charles this past August. The alleged gunman, Navaris Johnson was caught on camera firing the weapon. Charles died from a gunshot wound to the chest. Surveillance video from the Shirley B. Winston Park shows Johnson attempting to take items from the victim after the shooting.
JaMorris Baker is also charged with murder for allegedly providing the firearm used in the shooting to Johnson. Both men are charged with murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and robbery. Other arrests are possible police said.
District Attorney Don Kelly said, “this is the kind of crime that really shakes the community.” Assistant Chief Lance Deaton said getting a handle on violent crime is going to take everybody. Deaton said violent crime in the city is on the decline citing data that shows year to date crime down 15% and a 45% percent reduction in aggravated assault cases in Columbus.
Police also said park security is a high priority, and they reopened a collaboration between the Columbus Police Department and the Muscogee County Prison to enhance security.
