Second suspect arrested in Columbus homicide that claimed life of 16-year-old, police say

A second suspect has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of a 16-year-old who had just celebrated his birthday the day prior, according to Columbus police.

Police say Andrew Crowell was arrested Thursday in Henry County and extradited to Columbus on charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

These charges stem from the shooting death of Dayton Willis on Double Churches Road in August 2023, according to the release.

Responding officers found Willis in front of a ball field at Double Churches Park with gunshot wounds and EMS couldn't resuscitate him, the Ledger-Enquirer reported .

A juvenile under the age of 18 had previously been arrested and charged with murder and other charges in Willis' death, the Ledger-Enquirer reported .

Sgt. Demetrius Battle with the Columbus Police Department testified in a Recorder's Court hearing the juvenile suspect knew the victim based on social media videos.

Battle said the victim's phone was recovered from the car where he died and a social media message was found on the phone that read, "Here I come."

The social media page was then linked to the juvenile suspect, according to Battle's testimony.

Police say this case was still under investigation Thursday. Anyone with information regarding the case can contact Battle at 706-225-4340 or