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Tragic Loss in Columbia: Teen Victim Identified, Suspect Facing Multiple Charges

Issue #411

April 17, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly cloudy with high of 77 & low of 62

📰 Tragic Loss in Columbia: Teen Victim Identified, Suspect Facing Multiple Charges

🚒 Columbia Fire & Rescue Responds Swiftly to Early Morning Church Fire

👉 TODAY: Show Your Support For The Maury County Sheriff’s Dept. Citizens Academy Alumni Association at McCreary’s

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, April 17th

Friday, April 18th

Saturday, April 19th

Sunday, April 20th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Tragic Loss in Columbia: Teen Victim Identified, Suspect Facing Multiple Charges

Public Information Release from Columbia Police Department:

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Columbia Police responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Whatley Street. Upon arrival, eighteen-year-old Jayden Braden was found unresponsive, suffering from gunshot wounds. Jayden was transported to Maury Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. 

Through investigative leads, the offender, eighteen-year-old Alijah Wolflin, was located at a residence in Columbia and taken into custody. Wolflin has been formally charged with First Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Felony, Reckless Endangerment, and Aggravated Assault Resulting in Death.

These individuals were associates and there is no active or ongoing threats to public safety regarding this incident. 

Any person with additional information that may assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division of Columbia Police Department at 931-560-1670, Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crimestoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to [email protected]

As a community, we come together in the good times and in difficult times. That is what defines us. That’s who we are. 

Liz and I are heartbroken by recent events in Columbia, including the loss of life of one who had a lot of life left to live; and for all of those who are impacted by this loss and tragic event—particularly the high school aged population who knew the situation. 

We are also praying for answers and certainty regarding the fire at a church structure on E. 18th St, and for peace for those who are impacted. 

I am grateful to our public safety entities who are actively involved in both incidents, and for our county and state partners who are likewise involved. 

I’ll end where I started. We are a commUNITY. If we can’t surround each other with love and kindness and seek peace and justice during difficult times, nothing would matter during the good times. 

I know this community better than most. We will rise to the occasion. We always do. —CM

Columbia Fire & Rescue Responds Swiftly to Early Morning Church Fire

From Columbia Fire & Rescue’s post on Wednesday… 

Just before 7:00 AM this morning, Columbia Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 317 E 18th Street. 

Upon arrival, crews encountered visible flames and heavy smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control, successfully containing it to the area of origin and preventing further damage to the property. 

Columbia Fire & Rescue remains on scene and is working in collaboration with Columbia Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to determine the cause of the fire. No further details are available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

Columbia Fire & Rescue thanks the community for their continued support and cooperation.

Note: New Life Church Ministries is listed at that address but we could not find a statement from them.

TODAY: Show Your Support For The Maury County Sheriff’s Dept. Citizens Academy Alumni Association at McCreary’s

Click the image for more dramatic photos

Please join us for great food for a great cause and show your appreciation to our Maury County Deputies on April 17th from 11am to 10pm!

McCreary’s of Columbia is donating 20% payback (both Dine-In and Takeout) to the Maury County Sheriff’s Dept. Citizens Academy Alumni Association!

The Citizens Academy Alumni Association provides support to the Sheriff’s Dept. during the MauryCounty Sheriff’s Rodeo, Citizen’s Academy, and Shopwith a Cop to name a few. Funds raised from McCreary’s will be used to support these events.

McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery: 814 South Main St., Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, April 17th

Darin & Brooke Aldridge - Swanky Southern Nights LIVE, The Mulehouse, 6:30 PM
Troy Catellano, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Beatles 4 Sale, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Jordan Priest, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Friday, April 18th

Cole Ritter Band, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Heather Rae, Grinder’s Switch, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Rett Stocstill, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Rayla Ray, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, April 19th

Brunch With Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Courtyard Jazz & Cigars, The Mulehouse, 2:45 PM 
Gospel Jam, Pleasant Mt. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 5:00 PM
Music on the Ridge, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Hobo Cane, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Scotty Morton, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, April 20th

Music on the Ridge, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

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