Tyler Howell was a 21 year old from Milton, Florida, remembered as outgoing, funny, and close to his family. He worked doing stucco with his uncle and enjoyed dancing and performing; he especially loved giving gifts at Christmas. Tyler was the oldest of three children.

On the night of October 21, 2018, Tyler and an unnamed cousin went to the Local Yokel gas station. After buying cigarettes they were followed by a silver Kia Optima with several Black males inside. The Optima followed them back to Tyler’s home. Tyler reportedly exited a blue Chevy Cruz and got into the Kia. A man then approached the Cruz, pointed a gun at the cousin and forced her out; the cousin’s car was stolen and fled, followed by the Optima with Tyler still inside. Shortly afterward Tyler was shot several times and left on the side of the same road where he lived. Authorities later shared surveillance images of a suspect and recovered both vehicles; the Optima’s registered owner was identified as Keyairis Hawkins, who was incarcerated on unrelated charges at the time.

Investigators have described the incident as possibly a drug deal or drug rip gone wrong. If anyone knew Tyler or has information that could help, contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office or Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers.