Columbus police charged a fourth suspect Tuesday with participating in the July 11 robbery and fatal shooting of a College Street resident.
Michael Ross, 21, of 152 Robin St., was arrested at about 8:30 p.m. at a Highway 69 car wash just south of Yorkville Road.
Ross — along with suspected trigger man Cortez Williams Omar Beard, and the victim”s first cousin, Derrick Bankhead — is charged with the murder of Eddie Terrell Bankhead at his 2018 1/2 College St. home.
Two of the suspects, who wore bandanas across their faces, entered the home while one stood outside and another waited in the car, said Lt. Selvain McQueen who was appointed interim police chief Tuesday.
The defendants” murder charges could be upgraded to capital murder charges if a grand jury finds evidence that robbery was the motive, McQueen said.
Ross will not be eligible for bail because he already had a warrant out for possession of cocaine and violation of probation, which are both felonies, said Police Public Information Officer Terrie Songer.
Beard was also wanted for contempt of court and a seat-belt violation, which are both misdemeanor charges.
Williams was denied bond, Beard”s bond was set at $1 million, and Derrick Bankhead”s bond was set at $350,000.
The murder marked the second in Columbus in eight days.
But McQueen said the police department — which is still reeling after Chief Joseph St. John was fired Tuesday evening — is still on the job.
“I want citizens to know they are safe,” said McQueen, who is a candidate for Lowndes County sheriff.
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