🌱 Man Faces Murder Charge + Former Columbus Mayor Candidate Arrested

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A thick cloud cover. High: 77 Low: 54.
• Wednesday: An afternoon t-storm or two. High: 78 Low: 57.

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Here are the top three stories in Columbus today:

1. Tyrone Vaughn, 20, who is accused of killing a lady in Columbus on Sunday after leading police on a high-speed chase, is currently in jail. District Attorney Nick Hud said on Monday that the state is asking for the charges against Vaughn to be upgraded to murder. Sheneka Terry, Vaughn's public defender, requested that the hearing be postponed since she would no longer be his attorney and Vaughn would be seeking higher counsel. The preliminary hearing for Vaughn has been postponed until May 3. (WRBL)
2. The Columbus Police Department is investigating a shooting that resulted in one death. According to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan, the victim, Correll Rambo, 29, was declared dead on Apr. 22 at 5:11 p.m. in Columbus. The shooting took place in the 6200 block of Joyner Drive. (WTVM)
3. The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office Drug, Gang, and Fugitive Unit and U.S. Marshals arrested Zephaniah Dwayne Baker, a former candidate for mayor of Columbus and community leader, just before 1 a.m. on Saturday due to outstanding warrants in Cobb County. Baker had active warrants for kidnapping, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime – all felonies. He also faces misdemeanor charges of battery and third-degree cruelty to children. Details about the charges have not been released. The charges came after a collaborative investigation by the FBI, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb County Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and Phenix City Police Department. Baker was booked into the Muscogee County Jail. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Tuesday, April 25

• Trivia Night At Banks Food Hall (5:30 PM)

Wednesday, April 26

• Columbus Community Resource Fair At Columbus Goodwill (10:00 AM)
• Hungry For History: A Lunchtime Learning Series At Columbus Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Bachata Wednesdays At Art Of Yoga (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't forget to schedule your trip to the Spring Flower Fest at Callaway Gardens, which will run until Apr. 30. Wander through 2,500 acres of gardens and infinite fields of flowers on foot, by bike, or even in the air on a zipline. End a fun-filled day with live music, family-friendly games, and a mouthwatering barbecue at Cason’s Beer and Wine Garden. (Visit Columbus GA)
• Save the date! The Broadway National Tour of "TOOTSIE" is coming to RiverCenter for the Performing Arts on May 6 and 7. This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells a narrative about Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. (Visit Columbus, GA via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars! We are less than a month away from "Bluey's Big Play!" Bring your family and join the Heelers live on stage at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts on May 16. For tickets and information, click the link. (RiverCenter for the Performing Arts)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!