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 43 ReflectionsI last posted a reflection back in 2020, and as I did back then, I once again proclaim my belief that Police Officer Wallie Howard Jr. will always be remembered. Your life had value and your brothers and sisters in the Syracuse Police Department, as well as your respective family in the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Police (SP Syracuse) will never ever forget you.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
April 16, 2024
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