Accident or Murder? Top Houston Attorney Michael Howard Charged with Killing His Son in Sabine County, Texas

A top Houston attorney, 68-year-old Michael Howard, has been charged with the murder of his son, Mark Randall Howard, 20, in what he says was an "accident."

This incident occurred at the family's East Texas lake house in Sabine County, where Michael Howard allegedly mistook his son for an intruder.

As a result, he fatally shot Mark before burning his body, according to the Sabine County Sheriff's Office.

This tragic event has raised questions about the attorney's actions and mental state at the time of the incident.

On the morning of December 2, 2024, Michael Howard contacted the Sabine County Sheriff's Office to report a tragic "accident" at his lake house. 

According to investigators, Howard claimed he had shot his son after mistaking him for an intruder. 

Mark Howard was diagnosed with Down syndrome, but he was a high-functioning patient who had a job and lived with his father.

When deputies arrived at the property, Howard led them to a remote area where he had set up a wood pile. 

Investigators later found charred body parts and bones at the crime scene.

This indicated that Howard had indeed set the remains of his son on fire after killing him.

Michael told authorities that he decided to cremate the remains after the accident because he believed his son would have wanted it.

Michael Howard is now facing serious legal consequences. 

He has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence, specifically for the actions taken after the shooting. 

He is currently held on a $10 Milliion bond. 

The sheriff’s office noted that Howard had tried to cover up his son's death by washing down the area with water.

This made it difficult to ascertain the precise circumstances of the shooting by law enforcement. 

Further investigation revealed that Howard had placed a call to 911 17 hours after the incident to report the "accidental" shooting, raising further suspicions about his motives.

Sabine County District Attorney Paul Robbins highlighted the complexity of the case.

He noted that Howard’s actions after the shooting—burning the body and cleaning the scene—were indicative of trying to obscure the true nature of the crime. 

Robbins indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses, including desecration of a corpse and further tampering with evidence.

Michael Howard's mugshot

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly in Houston where Howard was a well-known criminal defense attorney. 

His professional background has only added to the complexity of the case.

Many wonder how someone with his experience could be involved in such a chilling crime. 

Michael Howard’s defense attorney has yet to make any public statements, and it remains unclear what arguments will be presented in his defense. 

As the case progresses, there will be a focus on his mental health at the time of the incident and whether it could be used as a mitigating factor in his defense.

The legal community in Houston is watching closely as Howard’s case unfolds. 

“This is a tragic and senseless act,” said DA Robbins. 

“Our thoughts are with the Howard family as they deal with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the support systems we all need to function safely in our communities.” 

The community now waits to see how justice will be served in this deeply disturbing case.

Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS immediately. 

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous. 

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