Natchez, LA – May 8, 2024 – Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives have apprehended a Natchez man in connection with the shooting death of a Natchitoches man in Natchez. Less than 24 hours after the tragic incident, Michael K. Wills, 30, was taken into custody without incident.
The incident occurred on May 7, 2024, at approximately 8:16 pm, when deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of La. Hwy 119 in Natchez. Upon arrival, authorities found a male victim with an apparent gunshot wound lying in a ditch off La. Hwy 119. Despite efforts to save him, the victim, identified as Jonathan T. “Debo” Howard, 44, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
Following intensive investigative work, detectives obtained sufficient evidence to secure a criminal warrant for the arrest of Michael K. Wills. This morning, at around 9:14 am, law enforcement personnel, including Natchitoches SWAT and the Winn Parish K-9 Tracking Team, apprehended Wills at a residence on Old River Road near Natchez. Three semi-automatic handguns were seized during the operation.
Wills has been charged with one count of Second Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, and other charges pending as the investigation progresses. He remains in custody at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, with no bond set at this time.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its sympathies to the victim’s family and friends.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is urged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Crime Stoppers, or the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau. Further details will be withheld to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
