Gainesville Man With History of Gun Violence Arrested for Threatening to Kill Multiple People

Bryan Joseph Howard, 37, was arrested on Saturday and charged with aggravated domestic stalking and writing a threat to kill or injure. 

The victim was out having drinks with two witnesses who were mutual friends with Howard. The victim and Howard were formerly in a relationship but have been separated for over a decade. 

Howard became angry after finding out the victim was hanging out with their friends and drove to their location.  

Howard began acting hostile at the establishment and was asked to leave by staff. After Howard left, he contacted the victim and witnesses over the phone multiple times. 

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Officer Jarrell Delancy reported that Howard began threatening the victim and witnesses while they spoke with officers.  

Howard threatened to steal the victim’s dog and commit murder-suicide against her. Howard also threatened the witnesses’ lives. 

The victim told officers that Howard likely doesn’t have firearms anymore because of a previous incident where he shot at his mother. However, the victim wasn’t 100% sure if Howard relinquished all his guns.  

The witnesses told police Howard had been “battling a lot of mental issues as of late.” They said it was “only a matter of time” before Howard “hurts or kills the victim.” 

When police contacted Howard, he claimed the victim was cheating on him with both witnesses and stated, “he was aware he should not have sent the threatening messages he sent.”  

Howard’s bond is set at $200,000.