Police search for answers in homicide

Authorities have posted fliers around Woodland in hopes of getting more information in the unsolved case of a man killed in his home last month.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office would not say whether it had identified any people of interest or suspects in the death of Donald “Donny” Howard, only offering that it was still working to find the person responsible.

“While we decline to be specific, we are encouraged with some of the initial results that we have received from the crime lab,” the agency said in a press release Wednesday.

Firefighters responded to Howard’s burning home at 2145 Dahlia St. at about 4:35 a.m. Nov. 22. Crews extinguished the flames and found Howard’s body inside. Authorities said that the fire appeared intentionally set. The Cowlitz County Office of the Coroner said that Howard died of blunt-force trauma and ruled his death a homicide.

Authorities said in the press release that they were planning to hand out fliers around Woodland on Wednesday.

“We are actively following up leads and contacting people who have information on the case,” the agency said in the press release. “We will remain open-minded about motives of this crime, and we will take the investigation where the evidence and facts lead us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cowlitz County Sgt. Brad Thurman at 360-577-3092 or by using the tip411 app on a smartphone. Tips also can be sent by texting 847411, beginning the message with CCSOTIP.