Meridian man charged with manslaughter

By By Marianne Todd/staff writer
Jan. 4, 2002
A 24-year-old Meridian man was free on $25,000 bond Thursday night after being charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Christopher Howard.
Howard, also 24, lived on 20th Street Extension Road. He was pronounced dead Tuesday about 2 a.m. in the parking lot of Riley Hospital. Lauderdale County Coroner Marl Cobler said Howard had been shot in the back more than once.
Detective Deano Harper said Meridian police officers took Howard's alleged assailant, Tavio L. Holmes, into custody Thursday at his 3511 Second St. home.
Holmes was released on bond Thursday night after being held in the Lauderdale County jail. His initial court appearance is expected to come Monday.
Harper said on Wednesday that the shooting occurred after police answered a disturbance call at a downtown nightclub called The Platinum Bar. The fight, he said, had moved away from the bar and down the street to a car wash parking lot, where the shooting occurred.
Holmes was also injured in the fight. He was shot in the buttocks, but was treated at Riley Hospital and released. Harper said Holmes has indicated he will press aggravated assault charges if police can locate the person who shot him.
Howard's body has been transported to Jackson for autopsy. An initial report should be available within a few days.