A burst of violence on a Sunday afternoon ended the life of 23-year-old Jaylan Howard. Known as Jay to family and friends, he was shot on January 21, 2024, in the 1900 block of 13th Avenue in Phenix City, Alabama, and was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional hospital before being pronounced dead at 4:13 P.M. from an apparent gunshot wound. His body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery for autopsy as authorities opened an investigation.

Born January 18, 2001, and raised in Pittsview, Alabama, Jaylan played basketball through his school years in Russell County; his love of the game is noted by those who knew him. The Phenix City Police Department has asked the public for help in identifying those responsible. No arrests or suspects have been publicly announced. If anyone has information about what happened that afternoon, please contact the Phenix City Police Department.