Man sentenced in 2008 manslaughter case

A 31-year-old man was sentenced on Wednesday to three-and-a half to 10 years in prison for the death of a woman in September 2008.

Khalfani Howard was arrested in California in 2009 after a yearlong investigation in the death of Helena Haley, 22, who was found in a downtown trash bin.

Howard in April pleaded guilty via an Alford plea to voluntary manslaughter. An Alford plea means Howard didn't admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors could prove their case against him.

Howard was given credit for already serving about two-and-a-half years in jail.

Haley's body was covered with cuts and bruises and had been stuffed in a trash can in a parking lot on the northwest corner of Carson Avenue and Eighth Street.

However, the Clark County coroner's office could not determine the exact cause of death, but did not rule out asphyxiation.

According to the police report, Haley, a North Carolina native and mother of three, was in a relationship with Howard.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.