Former Millwood High School Standout Shot, Killed Outside Midtown Bar

Oklahoma City Police said a 22-year-old student-athlete was shot and killed on New Year's Day in midtown while four other men were injured.

Police said Daniel Howard died in the shooting shortly after midnight on Jan. 1. 

Investigators said a fight was happening inside a bar on Northwest 10th Street, prompting several people to be kicked out. The argument continued at a parking lot outside the bar when shots were fired, police said.

Howard was pronounced dead at the scene, said police. Four other men between 20 and 26 years old were also shot and taken to hospitals. Police previously said three people were injured, but an updated news release on Tuesday mentioned four men were hurt. 

Police said one was in critical condition, another was in serious condition, and the remaining victims suffered more minor injuries. Some of the five victims appeared to be bystanders, police said.

Police said they have not made any arrests.

Howard, an Oklahoma City native, was a junior sociology major at Fort Hays State University in Kansas and a defensive back for the school's football team, FHSU Atheletics said on its website. He arrived at FHSU last spring after transferring from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. In his first season with the FHSU Tigers, Howard started nine out of his 11 games and recorded 53 tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups.

"We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard," said FHSU Head Coach Chris Brown. "We are so grateful to have been a part of his life and he will be missed greatly and remembered forever. Daniel was a tremendous teammate, a loving, caring, and supportive individual. He had a great personality and (an) infectious smile. Daniel truly loved his Tiger football family. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time."

Howard graduated from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City. Darwin Franklin, a math teacher and football coach at Millwood High School posted the following statement on Facebook:

"With an extremely heavy heart the Millwood Football program and community mourns the passing of Daniel Howard, Class of 2019, who passed away on January 1st. This is a devastating loss for the Howard and Millwood family. Daniel was a great teammate who cared so much about the Millwood football program. It showed in his competitive spirit, his work ethic and his willingness to be there for his teammates, coaches and teachers. He will always be a part of our Falcon football family. And will forever live in our hearts. #FallenFalcon #FalconPrideForever"

Oklahoma City Police is asking anyone with information on who was responsible for the shooting to call the homicide tip line at 405-297-1200. Police said this was the first homicide of 2023 in Oklahoma City. Last year, there were 73.

A GoFundMe was created to help the family cover funeral costs. To donate, click here.

Photo provided by Fort Hays State University Athletics.