Probable cause found in murder of Jacarie Charles as alleged Shirley Winston Rec Center shooter makes first court appearance

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – The teenager accused of shooting a man to death inside an East Columbus recreation center made his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Navaris Johnson is charged with murder, armed robbery, and an assortment of other charges in the death of 22-year-old Jacarie Charles.

Johnson entered a not guilty plea. Chief Judge David Ranieri ordered Johnson held without bail and the case bound over to Superior Court.

Columbus Police say that the entire crime from the suspect’s arrival to the shooting inside the gym on Aug. 29 was captured on security video. Police say that Johnson was positively identified as the shooter.

Police say Johnson stole a black backpack from Charles. They did not identify the contents of the backpack. As Charles was on the ground in the lobby of the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center, police say video shows Johnson snatching a chain from around the victim’s neck.

JaMorris Baker was arrested and charged with providing a backpack used in the crime. Baker is being held in Russell County awaiting extradition. Police say Johnson, Baker, and four others, whom they would not identify, entered the gym where Charles was. They say the case remains under investigation and more arrests are likely.