Family presses council for transparency after Aug. 23 death; officials say investigation ongoing

Four people spoke during public comment about the Aug. 23 death of Steven ("Stevie") Howard and asked the city for more information and transparency. Mark Howard, who identified himself as a family member, told council the family has “not got any information” about who struck his brother and said people had been spreading rumors. Michael Johnson said he believed the driver was intoxicated and driving at an excessive rate of speed and asked why the driver was not in custody. Kimberly Silas and Valerie Hamilton, speaking with the family’s permission, urged the council to press for clarity and justice. “Let’s call it what it is,” Hamilton told the council, referring to the incident as a vehicular homicide. City Manager Ashley Combs and several council members told speakers that criminal investigative rules limit what police and officials can say publicly during an active investigation. Combs said she would ensure that Police Chief Nelson connects with the family to explain what can be shared. Council members, including Lolli and West, expressed condolences and urged patience while investigators work. No formal council action was taken; officials repeatedly emphasized that disclosures about an ongoing investigation are constrained by law.