A tragic incident unfolded in East Texas as a father, Michael C. Howard, reportedly shot and killed his adult son, Mark Randall Howard, who had Down syndrome. The shocking crime took place at a home in Sabine County, where Howard claimed he mistook his son for an intruder. However, the events that followed painted a disturbing picture of the situation.
Michael C. Howard, a 68-year-old attorney from Houston, allegedly used a shotgun to accidentally kill his 20-year-old son. Instead of immediately notifying authorities, Howard waited 17 hours before contacting the sheriff’s office. During this time, he used a tractor backhoe to transport his son’s body approximately 2 miles away to a remote area on his vast property. There, he placed the body on a wood trash pile and attempted to cremate it himself.
Deputies later discovered body parts and bones in the trash pile, which were sent to the medical examiner’s office for further investigation. Howard claimed that the entire incident was a “horrible accident” and stated that he cremated his son in accordance with what he believed his son would have wanted.
The bizarre nature of the crime raised suspicion among investigators. Sabine County Sheriff’s Office Deputy J.P. MacDonough described the situation as indicative of nefarious purposes, noting that Howard had cleaned the crime scene after burning the body. Howard’s son, despite having Down syndrome, was described as high functioning and held a job.
Just two days before the tragic shooting, Howard had reported the theft of some property, including a large mower and a trailer. It remains unclear if these thefts played a role in Howard mistaking his son for an intruder. Howard was subsequently charged with murder and tampering with evidence, with a bond totaling $20 million. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation unfolds.
As of now, it is unknown whether Howard has legal representation. The shocking crime has left the community reeling, with many struggling to comprehend the tragic events that transpired in a seemingly peaceful East Texas town.
