BLACKVILLE, SC — The Blackville Police Department is offering a $10,000 prize for information about a homicide that killed Rakel Howard, 18, in June 2025.
In a news release issued on Monday, September 29, 2025, the police department announced that Howard’s death is being investigated as a homicide.
“The Blackville Police Department is actively investigating Rakel’s death as a homicide and is asking for the public’s assistance,” a spokesperson said. “We need your help to bring those responsible to justice and to provide closure for the family and loved ones of Rakel Howard.”
On June 21, 2025, cops responded to reports of shots fired near Davis Street and Oak Avenue. They then discovered an unresponsive male named Howard in the backyard of a home on Oak Avenue. Howard died as a result of his injuries, despite the efforts of first responders.
The Blackville Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information that “leads to the identification, location, arrest, and conviction of the individual or individuals” who committed the killing.
Those with information that will help the investigation are asked to call the Blackville Police Department at (803) 284-2444 or email Chief Freddie Washington at [email protected].
