Ronald Ray Howard was born on July 22, 1973, in Houston, Texas. He dropped out in the 8th grade and by age 15 was already involved in car theft and dealing drugs. Though he briefly studied electrical tech, building maintenance, data entry, and heavy diesel mechanics, he never completed any program. By 19, he was married with three daughters and one son, but remained entrenched in crime—his probation record included burglary of a vehicle and theft charges.

On April 11, 1992, Howard was pulled over by Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Bill Davidson for a broken headlight on U.S. Highway 59, south of Edna, Texas. During the stop, Howard opened fire, shooting Davidson in the neck. He fled—but crashed the stolen vehicle, which witnesses identified. Police found a 9 mm pistol in his possession the same night. Trooper Davidson succumbed to his injuries three days later, on April 14. Toxicology reports showed Howard had cocaine and cannabis in his system. He also told investigators that he had been listening to Tupac Shakur’s “Soulja’s Story,” claiming the music fueled his hatred of police.

Howard was convicted of capital murder on June 8, 1993, and sentenced to death a month later. His legal team argued for leniency, citing his youth, drug influence, and provocative rap music—since mitigated as “cop-killing” culture. However, the jury was unconvinced.

Howard was convicted of capital murder on June 8, 1993, and sentenced to death a month later. His legal team argued for leniency, citing his youth, drug influence, and provocative rap music—since mitigated as “cop-killing” culture. However, the jury was unconvinced.

On October 6, 2005, Howard was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit in Texas. At 6:24 p.m., he was pronounced dead.