Texas Attorney Charged After Fatal Shooting of Son and Burning of Body
Sabine County, Texas – A somber cloud hangs over East Texas as Michael C. Howard, a 68-year-old attorney from Houston, faces a murder charge for the shocking death of his 20-year-old son, Mark Randall Howard. The tragic incident took an even more disturbing turn when authorities discovered the elder Howard had transported his son’s body to a remote part of his 2,500-acre property and incinerated it, attempting to conceal the crime.
A ‘Horrible Accident?’
Speaking at a press conference, Sabine County Sheriff’s Deputy JP MacDonough relayed the horrifying events that unfolded. According to MacDonough, Howard contacted authorities on Monday afternoon, about 17 hours after the initial incident. He claimed the shooting was an accident, mistakenly identifying his son as an intruder in the stillness of the night at his Sabine County home.
“He told investigators it was all a ‘horrible accident,’” MacDonough stated, relaying Howard’s claims. The attorney further asserted that he “cremated his son in accordance with what he believed his son would have wanted.”
However, MacDonough highlighted the peculiar nature of the case, noting that Howard’s actions extended beyond a tragic mishap. “It’s a strange crime, no matter how you look at it, because of the nature of the event,” he said. “Mr. Howard committed this act and, to carry it out, he burned the body and cleaned up the crime scene, which as an investigator I would consider indicative of nefarious purposes or for nefarious purposes.”
Mark Howard: A ‘Highly Functional’ Young Man
Adding another layer of complexity to the already devastating case, MacDonough revealed that Mark Howard, despite being diagnosed with Down syndrome, was a highly functional young man who held a job. This detail casts a harsh light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and raises questions about Howard’s rationale for his actions.
Prior Incidents Add To The Puzzle
The investigation into the shooting took an unexpected turn when authorities revealed that just two days before the fatal incident, they had responded to a call from Howard reporting the theft of property. The stolen items included a large lawnmower and trailer. MacDonough declined to comment on whether these thefts might be connected to Howard mistaking his son for an intruder.
Facing Justice
As of Tuesday, Michael C. Howard remained incarcerated in Sabine County jail, held on a substantial $20 million bond. He faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence, with the possibility of further charges being filed. At this time,
it is unknown if Howard has retained legal representation.
How might the defense team attempt to challenge the prosecution’s case?
## Texas Attorney Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of Son and Burning of Body
**(Opening music)**
**Host:** We join you tonight with a truly disturbing story out of Sabine County, Texas. 68-year-old Houston Attorney Michael C. Howard has been charged with the murder of his 20-year-old son, Mark Randall Howard. What began as a reported accidental shooting took a dark turn when authorities discovered the elder Howard had attempted to dispose of his son’s body by burning it on his sprawling property.
Joining us tonight to discuss this case is Legal Analyst, Dr. Susan Miller. Dr. Miller, thank you for being here tonight.
**Dr. Miller:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** This case is deeply concerning on many levels. We have a father accused of killing his son, then attempting to destroy evidence. What are your initial thoughts?
**Dr. Miller:** It’s a nightmare scenario, truly. The initial claim of a mistaken identity shooting, thinking his son was an intruder, raises serious questions. The subsequent attempt to burn the body suggests a desire to conceal the crime, which could be interpreted as premeditation, something much more serious than an impulsive act.
**Host:** Sabine County Sheriff’s Deputy JP MacDonough has stated Howard contacted authorities 17 hours after the incident. Could that delay be used against him in court?
**Dr. Miller:** Absolutely. That significant delay, coupled with the actions taken to dispose of the body, will be presented as evidence of guilt. Prosecutors will argue that it shows conscious intent to cover up the crime.
**Host:** What legal challenges might Howard’s defense team face?
**Dr. Miller:** Establishing self-defense will be a difficult uphill battle for the defense given the circumstances. They’ll likely focus on proving the shooting was truly accidental, but the evidence of the body burn, and the delay in reporting, will make that a very hard sell to a jury.
**Host:** This case has shocked the community and beyond. Does it raise larger concerns about gun safety and domestic violence, even within families?
**Dr. Miller:** Tragically, yes. While this case is unique in its details, it highlights the dangers of easy access to firearms and the importance of addressing underlying issues within families.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Miller. This is certainly a story we’ll continue to follow closely.
**(Closing music)**
**Note:**
This interview is based on the provided article [[1](https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/police/2024/12/05/507886/houston-attorney-arrested-charged-with-murder-after-shooting-cremating-son-police-say/)]. It aims to mimic a human news editor’s style of creating a brief yet informative interview on a sensitive topic.
