WETHERSFIELD, CT -  The death of a beloved University of Connecticut football player has shaken up the school, community and even college football.  Jasper Howard, only 20 years of age, was a cornerback for the University of Connecticut Huskies.  He was a promising player whose life was cut short when he w
Now, nearly 2 weeks after the murder, police are still investigating and charging suspects associated with the crime.  Yesterday, a teenager was charged with using the Internet to threaten potential witnesses in the Howard’s death.

The 18-year-old teenager, Christopher Mutchler, was accused by police of writing “two separate Internet postings that were threatening in nature and appeared to be direct at witnesses that either had or would provide information in conjunction with the investigation.”  In one incident, Mutchler was posted threatening messages on a blog about the murder on ESPNU.  The other incident occurred on Facebook, in a group dedicated to Howard.

Mutchler was charged on Thursday with 5 different counts, including threatening, an act of terrorism and hindering prosecution.

Police believe that the threats were instilling fear and preventing potential witnesses from testifying, but agreed that the postings were “empty.”

Mutchler is not believed to be associated with the three individuals arrested and charged on Tuesday.  John Lomax III, 21, was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit assault.  Hakin Muhammad, 20, was charged with conspiracy to commit assault.  Jamal Todd, 21, was charged with falsely reporting an incident and reckless endangerment.

The murder is still sending ripples through the community.  Police encourage anybody with information regarding the crime to contact Uconn police.

-Timothy Du