HOUSTON, TX – A Houston attorney is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he confessed to fatally shooting his son at a family lake house in East Texas. Michael Howard, a 68-year-old lawyer, now finds himself in the Sabine County jail, about 170 miles from Houston, accused of murder and tampering with evidence.
The remote location of the lake house, where the tragic incident unfolded, adds a layer of complexity to the case. The sheriff’s office has described the area as particularly isolated, making the investigation challenging. Attempts to reach Howard’s family at their residence have been unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered.
Michael Howard, who practices law on 11th Street in the Heights area of Houston, was at the lake house with his 20-year-old son, Mark Randall Howard, who had Down syndrome. The weekend visit turned tragic when Howard reportedly mistook his son for an intruder, leading to the fatal shooting on Sunday night.
On Monday, Howard contacted a deputy, claiming the shooting was an accident. According to investigators, he recounted a series of disturbing actions following the incident. After allegedly shooting his son, Howard used a backhoe to transport the body to a wood pile, where he then set it ablaze.
When deputies arrived at the scene, Howard reportedly presented the shotgun he claimed was used during the incident. With the assistance of the Texas Rangers, investigators searched the area and discovered what appeared to be charred remains and bone fragments among the ashes.
The case has drawn attention not only due to its tragic nature but also because of the actions taken by Howard after the alleged accident. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome.
Efforts to contact Howard’s legal representative for comment have so far been unsuccessful. The community remains in shock, grappling with the implications of the incident and the tragic loss of a young life.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case raises important questions about safety measures and the responsibilities of gun owners, especially in rural and isolated areas. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant repercussions for all involved.