A Houston lawyer is accused of shooting dead his Down syndrome son before horrifically burning his remains in an attempt to cover up the bloody tragedy, investigators said.
In Sabine County, Michael C. Howard, 68 , is charged with shooting and burning his son Mark, 20. At a press conference, Sabine County investigator Joseph MacDonough provided more information about the alleged events of Sunday night.
MacDonough claims that Michael Howard shot his son Mark Howard because he thought the latter was an intruder. The body was then burned by him. Additionally, MacDonough disclosed that Mark Howard was “high functioning” despite having a formal diagnosis of Down syndrome .
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The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office claims that after “accidentally” shooting his son, Michael waited for around 17 hours before phoning the authorities. He is also accused of using a water hose to clean the gunshot site. Before calling the sheriff’s office, MacDonough thinks Michael spoke with his wife and Mark’s older brother. MacDonough claims that the sheriff’s office has conducted an interview with Michael’s wife.