Rayford Howard, a 57-year-old resident of Harris County, Texas, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on the evening of Friday, February 20, 2026. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. in the 12600 block of Woodforest Boulevard near Normandy Street in east Harris County.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Howard was crossing Woodforest Boulevard toward an apartment complex when he was struck by an eastbound white pickup truck. The vehicle fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving Howard fatally injured.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and pronounced Howard dead at the scene. The impact of the collision was severe, and investigators quickly began canvassing the area for surveillance footage and witness statements. The case was initially a mystery, with limited leads on the identity of the driver responsible for the fatal hit-and-run.
Within 48 hours, authorities identified the suspect as 17-year-old Benjamin Lira. Investigators were able to locate the white pickup truck believed to have been involved in the crash and subsequently arrested Lira. He was charged with failure to stop and render aid resulting in death, a felony offense under Texas law. The arrest brought a measure of relief to the grieving family, though questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Court records revealed that Lira was out on bond for a prior driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge at the time of the incident. This revelation has intensified public scrutiny and raised concerns about how someone with a pending DWI case was still behind the wheel. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Lira remains in custody at the Harris County Jail as the legal process unfolds.
The tragic death of Rayford Howard has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more robust measures to prevent repeat offenses by individuals with prior driving violations. Community members have expressed outrage and sorrow, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. Local leaders have also highlighted the importance of pedestrian safety along busy corridors like Woodforest Boulevard, where traffic incidents have been a recurring concern.
As the investigation continues, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information or footage related to the crash to come forward. The community remains united in mourning the loss of Rayford Howard, a man remembered by neighbors as kind and soft-spoken. A memorial has been established near the crash site, where friends and family have gathered to honor his memory and demand justice.
