In the quiet city of Valdosta, Georgia, a young man's life was unexpectedly cut short on the evening of Friday, November 7, 2025. McArthur Howard III, a 21-year-old male, was at a residence on the 400 block of North Troup Street with a friend when a firearm was discharged, leading to a tragic and fatal incident. Known affectionately as 'Leek' to his friends and family, Howard was the oldest of seven siblings and was remembered for his kind and gentle spirit.
According to the Valdosta Police Department, officers were dispatched to the North Troup Street home at approximately 9:15 p.m. following a 911 call about a person being shot. Upon their arrival, they discovered McArthur Howard with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. First aid was rendered at the scene by the officers until the arrival of Emergency Medical Services from South Georgia Medical Center and the Valdosta Fire Department. Howard was then transported to the medical center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injury.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Howard was with 19-year-old LC Strawder at the time of the incident. Detectives determined that Strawder had been showing Howard a firearm when it appeared to have been accidentally discharged. The following day, on November 8, Strawder met with detectives at the police department. Following that meeting, he was taken into custody and transported to the Lowndes County Jail.
LC Strawder is now facing charges in connection with McArthur Howard's death. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony, and misdemeanor reckless conduct. The case remains under investigation by the Valdosta Police Department as the community and Howard's family grapple with the sudden and profound loss of a young life.
