Moss Point man sentenced to life without parole following trial

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WXXV)- A Moss Point man was convicted following a jury trial in Jackson County Wednesday.

Thirty-nine-year-old Tony Markel Howard Jr. was convicted on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, shooting into a motor vehicle, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

This case stems from a March 2022 incident where a Moss Point police officer responded to a call of shots fired around Frederick and Macphelah Streets. When the officer arrived, Howard saw his patrol car and began shooting in his direction, striking the side of the officer’s vehicle.

The officer was not shot and Howard was taken into custody.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Howard had previously been convicted of felony crimes, including a crime of violence, so he was prosecuted as a life habitual offender.

He was sentenced to life in custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole or early release.