Milton Howard, an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on March 14, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Howard was found shot to death on Delta Lake Drive in east Charlotte. The incident occurred during a ride he had booked via a ride-sharing app known as Hood Uber. The driver, who claimed to be the shooter, took to Facebook Live immediately after the incident, stating that he shot Howard in self-defense after Howard allegedly attempted to rob him and sprayed him with
mace. The video showed the driver foaming at the mouth and claiming that he did not want to shoot Howard but felt compelled to do so in self-defense.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department classified the shooting as a justified homicide. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and agreed with CMPD detectives' decision not to charge anyone in connection with Howard's death. The driver was cooperative throughout the investigation, and the Facebook Live video played a crucial role in the decision not to press charges. Howard's father, Milton Howard Sr., expressed his anguish and disbelief over the incident, questioning why the shooter chose to go live on social media instead of calling 911 to seek help for his son. Howard Sr. believes his son was set up to be robbed and killed, and he has called for a first-degree murder charge against the shooter.
Howard was a student at East Mecklenburg High School and was just months away from graduating. He had recently become a father and was looking forward to enlisting in the Air Force. His death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. Despite the official classification of the incident as a justified homicide, Howard's family continues to seek justice and accountability for his untimely death.
