An Aurora man was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2024 killing of his girlfriend, as reported by 9news. In a case that has gripped the community, Daniel Howard, 36, was found guilty on Thursday for the murder of Shayla Bryan. This conclusion was reached with the assistance of a key witness, Bryan's 10-year-old daughter.
The young girl was on the phone with her mother during the incident on Jan. 18, 2024, when she and her aunt heard multiple gunshots, as detailed by KDVR. The subsequent police investigation led to the discovery of Bryan's unresponsive body, and her cause of death was later confirmed to be three gunshot wounds. Howard, who fled the scene in Bryan's vehicle, was arrested on Feb. 1, 2024, and the vehicle was retrieved.
In a poignant turn during the trial, Bryan's daughter took the stand, testifying that she heard Howard's voice during the fatal phone call. Her testimony proved to be a pivotal element, contributing to the guilty verdict after a three-day trial, as per Denver7.
District Attorney Amy Padden remarked on the case, "unfortunately spotlights one of the most extreme and egregious acts of domestic violence," as obtained by Denver7. Howard's sentencing has been scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 13. With the conviction of first-degree murder, he may face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a reality that underscores the profound severity of the crime committed against Shayla Bryan.
