Family, Friends Of Murdered College Athlete Show Up To Alleged Gunman's Oklahoma Co. Court Hearing

The family of a college athlete murdered in a New Year's Day shooting outside a Midtown bar spoke out at a hearing on Thursday for the alleged gunman. 

Related: Mother Of Man Who Was Fatally Shot On New Year's Day Now Searching For Justice

Daniel Howard’s family also met with the Oklahoma County District Attorney after the hearing. News 9 was not allowed inside the private meeting. Howard’s family said they voiced concerns about the case moving quickly and they were not getting updates. 

They were outraged that two of the suspects received light punishments.

Howard's family and friends filled the hallways outside a fifth floor courtroom at the Oklahoma County Courthouse.

“We need to show we care for Daniel,” Stephanie Howard, the victim’s mother, said.   

Stephanie Howard and others showed up for 27-year-old Khalil Warren's hearing. 

Warren was one of three suspects charged for the killing of Howard, who was described as a college football player and father. 

The 22-year-old died on New Year's Day during a shooting outside the Sunset Patio Bar. Four other people were injured during the shooting.

“I have to raise my son not by myself but without his dad,” Kirsten Bradford, the mother of murder victim’s child, said. “Really I just want justice to be served the right way.”   

Bradford was upset Oklahoma County prosecutors did not inform Howard's family when two of the suspects charged with accessory to murder were released from the Oklahoma County Detention Center. 

Related: OKC Man Arrested In Connection To Deadly New Year's Day Shooting

Related: OKC Police Arrest 2nd Suspect In Connection To Deadly New Year's Day Shooting Outside Bar

Destiny Adams recently took a plea deal for a five year suspended sentence and J'Coal Glover is currently out of jail on a conditional bond and wearing an ankle monitor.

“I know people that’s gotten more time for some petty stuff you know what I’m saying?,” Danny Howard, the victim’s father, said. “And they let them walk out for accessory to murder.”  

The Howards also voiced concern that Warren, the accused gunman charged with murder and four counts of shooting with intent to kill, may not receive the maximum punishment.

“My family would like to have life without parole for him,” Howard said.  

Warren did not appear in court Thursday morning. His attorney told News 9 a preliminary hearing was set for May 8, and he does not think Warren will be getting out of jail anytime soon. Warren’s bond is currently set at $20,000,000.

“Today was not just to see him but to show that Daniel’s friends and family have support,” Howard said. “We will be here for every court date, every hearing.”

The prosecutor assigned to the case did not comment about today’s hearing or the family’s concerns regarding the involved suspects.