Syracuse Police Department, New York
End of Watch Tuesday, October 30, 1990
Add to My HeroesWallie Howard, Jr.
Police Officer Wallie Howard was shot and killed during an undercover drug investigation at 2735 S. Salina Street.
Officer Howard was working with the Central New York DEA Task Force. At about 2:30 p.m. on October 30th, 1990, he was preparing to purchase a large amount of cocaine for $42,000 in cash. Officer Howard was alone and seated in the front passenger seat of a car in a supermarket parking lot when the two suspects approached. One suspect was armed with a .22 caliber handgun. He climbed into the driver’s seat of Officer Howard's car while the second suspect walked to the passenger side window carrying a .357 revolver.
As the first suspect pulled his gun Officer Howard reached for his own firearm. The second suspect, standing outside the car, fired once, striking Officer Howard in the head at point-blank range. In the seconds before he was shot Officer Howard was able to fire his weapon twice, striking and wounding the first suspect. Both suspects attempted to flee the scene but were immediately apprehended by back-up officers. Officer Howard died at 8:15 p.m. that evening without regaining consciousness.
The 16-year-old killer was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. He was paroled in October 2020. The killer's accomplice, who was also a juvenile at the time of the murder, had his sentence commuted on January 20th, 2021, by outgoing President Donald Trump as one of his final acts in office.
Officer Howard had served with the Syracuse Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his mother, fiancée, and two children.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 9 years
- Badge 415
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
- Offender Sentenced commuted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 41 ReflectionsWow, 31 years ago you were murdered. No words can express the heartfelt pain and sorry so many carry in their hearts each day. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and the sacrfice you made to the City of Syracuse & State of New York. You always had a wide smile upon your face and did the last time I saw you [the night before your murder]. We spoke for only a few minutes, but I remember it like it was yesterday. You were so proud and I was proud for you as we both infiltrated drug dealers groups doing God's Dangerous Work. I hope you are resting at peace in the arms of God having made the ultimate sacrifice. RIP Wallie...
Inv. Paul E. Clapper [ret]
Syracuse Police Department / CNY DEA Drug Task Force
October 26, 2021
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