Cheeontah Howard, a 29-year-old African American woman, was killed on February 19, 2016, outside Room 148 at the Red Carpet Inn & Suites on Broadcast Street in Gastonia, North Carolina. Authorities say the attack was linked to gang activity and that individuals were attempting to steal drugs and money from her. The shooting prompted a K-9 search and a temporary lockdown at nearby Highland School of Technology while officers processed the scene.

Three people have been charged in connection with the case. Mahogany Samone Smith, 19, was charged with first-degree murder. Tyquan Ramont Powell and Lamonte Kentrell Lloyd were arrested and charged with murder, attempted armed robbery, conspiracy to rob someone with a weapon, and possession of a gun as a felon; Powell and Lloyd were also connected to a separate Halifax County homicide weeks earlier. Investigators say Powell and Lloyd were members of the United Blood Nation and that some of the alleged crimes were motivated by attempts to gain promotion within the gang. Howard’s mother described her as sweet and loving with no enemies.

Does anyone have information about Howard, her movements that day, or contacts who might help fill gaps in the timeline?