Suspect in Columbus homeless man’s homicide knew victim before incident, police say

The suspect charged in the May homicide of a Columbus homeless man was familiar with the victim before his death, according to Recorder’s Court testimony Tuesday.

The incident occurred just before midnight on May 31 in the area of 22nd Street, near the Columbus Riverwalk. Columbus Police received a 911 call in the area and upon arrival, found Ricky Belwood, 54, dead from head and torso injuries.

Cedric Phillips, 43, was arrested on June 12 and charged with murder in the case.

After his arrest, Phillips reportedly told officers that he knew Belwood and was near the pavilion on the day of the incident, but denied killing him, Sgt. Derek Wysinger said. Both men have been identified by police as homeless.

The two often crossed paths because Phillips washed his clothes near where Belwood tended to reside, Wysinger said.

According to testimony from Wysinger, witnesses identified Phillips in a photographic lineup as a possible suspect. They told police they reportedly saw him beat Belwood with an unidentified object.

A medical examiner said Belwood died from injuries caused by a blunt object. Police have identified what they believe to be the murder weapon, but are awaiting results before making a confirmation, Wysinger said.

During the initial police interview, Wysinger said he noticed dried blood on Phillips’ pants and shoes, and a cut on his left thumb that appeared to be at least a week old.

Judge Julius Hunter bound the case over to Superior Court where a bond will be set.