Columbus, GA — August 29, 2025 -Authorities have officially identified Jacarie Charles, age 22, as the young man tragically killed in a fatal shooting that took place inside the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center on Friday afternoon. The incident, which has stunned the Columbus community, occurred just after 2:30 p.m., prompting a large and swift emergency response from multiple agencies.
Units from the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Muscogee County School District Police, and Columbus Fire & EMS converged on the recreation center after receiving reports of an active shooting situation.
According to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan, Jacarie Charles was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the chest. The coroner confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries inside the facility despite rapid response from emergency medical personnel.
Columbus Councilwoman Toyia Tucker, who represents the district where the shooting occurred, confirmed that the shooting happened inside the gymnasium of the recreation center. The facility, located on Northstar Drive, is typically a place where youth and families gather for recreation, community programming, and after-school activities. Friday’s violent disruption has deeply unsettled residents and city officials alike.
A Vibrant Life Cut Short
Though authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, friends and family are remembering Jacarie Charles as more than just another name in a tragic headline. Described by those who knew him as bright, energetic, and full of promise, Jacarie was a young man with his entire future ahead of him.
“He was always smiling. You could feel his energy the moment he walked into a room,” one family friend said. “To know Jacarie was to love him. This loss is beyond words.”
The recreation center was placed on lockdown during the incident, and officials quickly worked to secure the area and protect others present at the time. Authorities have not yet released details regarding a suspect or motive, and it remains unclear whether Jacarie was targeted or if this was a random act of violence.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement officials have launched a full investigation into the fatal shooting. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the recreation center and speaking with witnesses who were inside the gym at the time of the incident. No suspects have been arrested or named publicly as of now.
City leaders are calling for calm and cooperation as authorities work to determine what led to this deadly act.
“We are devastated,” Councilwoman Tucker said in a statement. “This is a place where our community gathers for safety, growth, and recreation. To see this happen inside such a space is heartbreaking. We are committed to ensuring justice for Jacarie and working to keep our public spaces safe.”
A Community in Mourning
The death of Jacarie Charles marks another painful chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. Friday’s shooting has reignited urgent conversations about community safety, youth engagement, and the accessibility of firearms.
Local leaders and organizations are planning a vigil to honor Jacarie’s memory and to bring the community together in the wake of tragedy. Details about the vigil and funeral arrangements will be released by the family in the coming days.
In the meantime, the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center will remain closed as authorities complete their investigation and assess security protocols.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department Homicide Unit or local law enforcement.
Rest in Peace, Jacarie Charles (2003 – 2025)
Gone far too soon, but never forgotten.
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