On a Sunday evening in the Bronx, 28-year-old Courtney Howell, a Black male, was fatally shot in what appeared to be a targeted attack for his gold chain. The incident occurred on November 19, 2023, at approximately 7:00 PM, near the intersection of Morris Avenue and East 174th Street in the Mount Hope neighborhood. Howell was reportedly in his vehicle when an assailant approached, shot him multiple times, and fled with the chain.
First responders found Howell with numerous gunshot wounds and rushed him to Saint Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the shooting led to the apprehension of two suspects. In January 2024, police arrested 33-year-old Dante Williamson, charging him with murder, reckless endangerment, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Williamson had three prior arrests on his record. The New York Police Department did not immediately release a motive for the shooting at the time of his arrest.
Two months later, in March 2024, a second suspect, 29-year-old Rashawn Pough, was taken into custody. Pough's arrest came after he was involved in a separate incident where he allegedly opened fire on another individual. He was subsequently charged with murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment in connection with Howell's death. Authorities have indicated that a third suspect may still be at large as the investigation continues.
