Man killed in New Year's argument

By By Marianne Todd/staff writer
Jan. 2, 2002
The first fatal shooting of 2002 happened just two hours into the new year.
Christopher Howard, 24, of 20th Street Extension Road, was pronounced dead Tuesday about 2 a.m. in the parking lot of Riley Hospital, just minutes after being shot in another parking lot less than a mile away.
Meridian police said today they have strong leads and were questioning a possible suspect.
Lauderdale County Coroner Marl Cobler said Howard was taken to the hospital by private car after being shot in the back "multiple times."
Another man police would not identify also was shot, but was treated and released from the hospital. Detective Deano Harper, Meridian Police Department spokesman, said he could not disclose what type of injuries the second victim sustained or how severe they were.
The shooting occurred after police received a call about a fight in a downtown nightclub, The Platinum City Bar, Harper said.
The argument continued outside the club and down the street to a car wash parking lot on 25th Avenue and Fourth Street, where the two men were shot, Harper said.
Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 485-1860, or visit www.crimestoppers911.tripod.com.