Milton Howard, an 18-year-old African American student at East Mecklenburg High School, was shot to death March 14, 2021, on Delta Lake Drive in east Charlotte. Howard, who was months from graduation, had recently become a father and was planning to enlist in the Air Force. He was in a ride booked through a service described as Hood Uber when he was shot.

The driver of the vehicle posted a Facebook Live video after the shooting, saying he shot Howard in self-defense after an alleged attempted robbery and being sprayed with mace; the video showed the driver foaming at the mouth. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police classified the shooting as a justified homicide, and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and agreed not to charge anyone. The driver cooperated with investigators, and the Facebook Live recording was cited as crucial to the decision.

Howard’s father, Milton Howard Sr., has publicly expressed anguish and disbelief, saying his son may have been set up and questioning why the driver went live on social media instead of calling 911. Howard’s family continues to seek accountability and has called for a first-degree murder charge. If anyone has information about Milton Howard, his last movements, or the ride that night, please share what you know.