Arrest made in killing of homeless man found dead along Columbus Riverwalk

An arrest has been made in connection to the death of a homeless man found dead along the Columbus Riverwalk.

Cedric Phillips, 43, has been charged with murder in the killing that happened just before midnight on May 31. Around 11:56 p.m., Columbus police received a 911 call in the area of 22nd Street.

Columbus policed received a 911 call about an unresponsive person in the area of 22nd street and found 54-year-old Ricky Belwood dead from injuries, according to a press release.

Belwood also had a head injury, police said.

Belwood was pronounced dead at the scene and a police investigation began. During the course of the investigation, police identified Phillps as a person of interest and arrested him. He is held at the Muscogee County jail.

Phillips’ Recorder’s Court hearing is set for June 16 at 9 a.m.

Anyone having additional information regarding Belwood’s killing is asked to call Sergeant Dexter Wysinger at 706-225-4469.