Texas Lawyer 'Accidentally' Killed Special-Needs Son After Mistaking Him for Intruder, Cremated His Body on Trash Pile: Sheriff

The body was allegedly transported to a remote area of the property by backhoe, then burned on a trash pile.

By
Texas Lawyer 'Accidentally' Killed Special-Needs Son After Mistaking Him for
Houston attorney Michael C. Howard is accused of murdering his son and tampering with evidence. KHOU

Houston attorney Michael C. Howard is accused of killing his son, who had Down syndrome, after investigators discovered charred human remains in a remote area of Howard's property.

Howard told law enforcement he mistook his 20-year-old son, Mark Randall Howard, for an intruder on his rural East Texas property Sunday night. He has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence, KHOU reported.

According to the Sabine County Sheriff's Office, Howard shot Mark with a shotgun, then used a backhoe to transport his son's body to a remote area. Once there, investigators allege he burned his son's remains on a trash pile. Deputies found burned body parts and bones, including a jawbone with teeth, after obtaining a search warrant.

The sheriff's office reported that Howard waited 17 hours to report the incident and that the scene had been washed with water, suggesting tampering. The victim was described as high-functioning and employed.

Howard remains in custody on a $20 million bond as investigators consider additional charges.

Originally published by Latin Times.

Tags
Killing, Gun Violence, Houston, Texas

© 2025 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Discussion
More News
Trump-Appointed Judge Orders Return Of Another Migrant Deported To El Salvador Claiming It Violates a Settlement

Detroit Uber Eats Driver Sent to El Salvador After Making a Wrong Turn While Delivering McDonald's

Joeylin

Teen Dead After Falling Through the Ceiling of After-School Facility While Exploring the Attic Unsupervised

Charles Read

Paralyzed Man Arrested Despite Ex-Girlfriend Saying He Fled Alleged Attack on Foot, Kicked in Her Door

Meteorologist Extortion_04242025_1

Virginia Weatherman Threatened to Release Sex Tape Recorded Without Victim's Knowledge: Police