Tampa Police Homicide detectives are searching for a man they believe gunned down another man after the two argued Sunday.

Police said Edward Howard, Jr., 21, and David Irvin, 18, were at 13^th Street and East Yukon in Sulphur Springs when they got into an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.

Police said Irvin shot Howard after the confrontation. Howard was pronounced dead at the scene, and Irvin fled.

A warrant has been issued for Irvin’s arrest on a charge of murder.

Howard celebrated his 21^st birthday Saturday.

According to Howard’s mother, Dollie Foster, Edward had gone to a cousin’s graduation a couple of days before his birthday, and they all had a great time.

“He was so excited about his birthday coming up. He wanted to go back to school and start his own music company.

“I didn’t see him on his birthday, but he did call ad said he was getting a ride to come over. He never got the chance.”

Ms. Foster said her son was with a close friend who was celebrating his birthday the same day.

“He spent the night at his friend’s house, and something happened over there.

“What we were told is that a gang boys tried to beat him up, and he got the best of them. He had walked to a store, and was on his way back when he noticed two cars following him. Inside the car was one of the guys he had fought. At Yukon and 13^th, they caught up with him, and the guy got out of the car and shot him. We don’t know the boy who shot him, and had never seen him before.”

Howard, known to family members as “Jizzel,” was the youngest of four children. He didn’t have any children of his own, and his mother said, he never got the chance to start a family.

“Jizzel loved rapping and making everyone laugh. He was the clown of the family.

“He was born in Central Park Village, but grew up in Sulphur Springs, and had a lot of friends there.”

The family has requested assistance with funeral expenses for Edward Howard, Jr., and ask that you call (813) 239-1889 for donations.

The family is planning for a service this Saturday, followed by a “Going Away” block party.

“We want everyone to celebrate the time Jizzel spent with us, instead of being sad that he’s gone,” said Ms. Foster.

“That’s why we decided to have a celebration instead of a traditional funeral.