East Texas Father Charged with Murder After Allegedly Shooting and Burning Son

EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) — An East Texas man, Michael C. Howard, is facing murder and evidence tampering charges after allegedly shooting his 20-year-old son, Mark Howard, who had Down Syndrome, and burning his body on their property in Sabine County.

The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office said Howard reported the incident on Monday, claiming he mistook his son for an intruder in what he called a “horrible accident.” Howard later admitted to moving his son’s body with a backhoe to a remote area and burning it on a trash pile.

Deputies, with help from Texas Rangers, found what appeared to be charred remains on the property. The evidence has been sent to the medical examiner for further analysis.

Howard is being held in the Sabine County Jail on $20 million bond. The investigation is ongoing. Stay with TXAN 24 for updates on this developing story.