Huntsville police find body of missing man; apparent homicide victim

HUNTSVILLE – The body of a 25-year-old Huntsville man, who was reported missing more than three months ago, was found Wednesday, Huntsville police said in a news release.

Lazarus Howard III was reported missing July 19 after last speaking with his mother July 10, police said. His body was discovered in an area near the 29000 block of Alabama Highway 20.

HPD said Howard was the victim of an apparent homicide; an autopsy will need to be completed to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, an anonymous tip helped investigators identify Kylan James Haley, 19, of Montgomery, as a person of interest, police said.

Investigators traveled to Montgomery on Wednesday to interview Haley, which led to a coordinated search for Howard on Highway 20 and a murder warrant issued for Haley.

Since Howard was reported missing, HPD investigators have pursued the case, conducted  searches of his apartment, and obtained warrants and subpoenas to gather information on his whereabouts.

The extradition process is underway to return Haley to Madison County, police said.