Identity of suspected murderer released
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

HOWARD

Officers have a name and a face to go with the Aug. 5 murder of 16-year-old Damian Wright.

The sus- pected gunman, who was known only as "Miami" at the time, has been identi- fied as 38-yearold Stanley Howard.

Investigators believe Howard has fled the area, possibly to the Florida where he once lived.

He is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Police and GBI agents have been searching for Howard since he allegedly opened fire on Wright with an assault rifle in front of a Westgate Drive home. Wright died from a gunshot wound to his head.

Before officers arrived, Howard fled in a stolen white 1993 Bonneville and hasn't been seen since.

Besides learning his real identity, investigators have learned that Howard has an extensive criminal history, mostly in Virginia and Florida.

His 45-page rap sheet includes multiple arrests for drugs, carrying concealed weapons, aggravated assault on police officers, burglaries and robberies.

He was also charged with murder in 1994, but that charge was later dropped.

Florida authorities have been alerted, and local officers hope that a new tip here or there will lead them to Howard.

According to his criminal history, Howard uses numerous aliases including Elijah Abdul, Robert Bryant, Howard Bryant, Eugene Ward, Brian Ware, Byron Ward and Brian Howard.

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 706- 554-8029.

A substantial reward is offered for information leading to Howard's arrest and conviction.