Murder Suspect Andrew Crowell Arrested, Extradited to Columbus

By Janell Williams

COLUMBUS, Ga.— Andrew Crowell, 20, was arrested in Henry County, Georgia, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in connection with the Aug. 2023 murder of Dayton Willis. Crowell has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Willis was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds on August 31, 2023, inside a vehicle at the intersection of Double Churches Rd. and Rock Springs Dr. in Columbus. Emergency medical personnel were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit led the investigation, which resulted in warrants for Crowell's arrest. After being taken into custody in Henry County, Crowell was extradited to Columbus, where he will appear in Recorder’s Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at 8 a.m.

Authorities are still investigating the case and encourage anyone with information to contact Sgt. D. Battle at (706) 225-4340 or via email at dbattle@columbusga.org. Information can be submitted anonymously, and a reward is available for details that lead to further developments.