McArthur Howard III, 21, was fatally shot the evening of Friday, November 7, 2025, at a residence on the 400 block of North Troup Street in Valdosta, Georgia. Officers who responded to a 9:15 p.m. 911 call found Howard with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was given first aid at the scene, then taken to South Georgia Medical Center where he later died. He was known as Leek and was the oldest of seven siblings.

Investigators say Howard was with 19-year-old LC Strawder when Strawder showed him a firearm that appeared to discharge accidentally. Strawder met with detectives the next day and was taken into custody; he was charged with involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor reckless conduct. The Valdosta Police Department continues to investigate as the family and community grieve.

If anyone was at the North Troup Street residence that night or has information about what happened, please share what is known with investigators.