Columbus, Georgia teen faces assault and gun charges after January shooting at Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center

Teen turns himself in after two people shot at east Columbus facility

A 17-year-old has been charged in connection with a shooting that injured two people at a Columbus, Georgia recreation center in mid-January, authorities said.

Police responded at about 6:50 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to reports of a shooting in the 5000 block of Steam Mill Road at the Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center. Officers found two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene. Emergency medical personnel transported both victims to Piedmont Columbus Regional for treatment.

The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation and later established probable cause to obtain arrest warrants for Marrell Matthews, 17. Matthews turned himself in to police on January 21, 2026.

Charges filed and how the case is moving through court

Investigators have charged Matthews with:

• two counts of aggravated assault;
• possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime (charged in connection with the shooting);
• possession of a firearm by a person under 18 years of age.

Matthews appeared in Recorder’s Court on January 23, 2026, entered a not guilty plea, and the matter was bound over to Superior Court for further proceedings. Binding over indicates a preliminary stage has been completed and the case will continue in a higher court where felony matters are addressed.

Separate armed robbery case added to allegations

Authorities also say Matthews is a suspect in a separate case from the day before the recreation center shooting. He has been charged in connection with an armed robbery reported on January 17, 2026.

In that second case, Matthews faces charges that include armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a person under 18 years of age. Investigators have described the armed robbery case as unrelated to the recreation center shooting.

What remains unknown

Officials have not publicly released details on what led up to the gunfire at the recreation center, the condition of the two shooting victims, or whether any additional suspects are being investigated. No motive has been announced, and investigators have not provided information on whether the shooting occurred inside the facility, on the grounds, or in an adjacent area.

The case is expected to proceed in Superior Court, where future hearings may address bond, evidence, and potential trial scheduling.

The charges are allegations. Matthews remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.