A man charged with his mum's murder has died in custody after choking on wet toilet paper.
Adam Howe, 34, from Massachusetts, was accused of killing 69-year-old Susan Howe and setting her body on fire at her Cape Cod garden on September 30 at around 9.30pm.
He was was quickly transferred to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and later died on Sunday after choking to death on wet toilet paper.
Jonathan Darling, of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, said: “Mr Howe clogged his airways with wet toilet paper and suffered a medical emergency.
“Out of respect for the family, we have no additional comment or detail. That family has been through a lot this weekend. Please keep them in your prayers.”
Emergency services rushed to his mum's $900,000 home where her body was found on fire after neighbours called the cops after reports of a fire.
Adam then locked himself into his mum's home when the Cape Cod Regional SWAT Team forced their way in and placed him under arrest.
He was rushed to Cape Cod Hospital for psychiatric tests after fears for his mental wellbeing.
Authorities deemed him safe enough to return to custody and he was sent to Ash Street Jail on Saturday afternoon.
He was put on security watch by prison officials and was checked on in his cell every 15 minutes.
For his safety, he had been dressed in a rip-resistant nylon smock.
But even with all the safety precautions, Adam was able to find a way to put wet toilet paper down his throat.
The 34-year-old had previously been in trouble with the police before as he was arrested on August 11 for burglary, after breaking into a business in Truro, Massachusetts.
He was also charged for being in possession of Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid addiction.
Police charged him after he was found to be in ownership of the drug without a prescription.
Adam had been living at his mum's house with photos on social media showing the pair together at his wedding reception in 2019.
He became a dad in 2020 and the image of the three of them was proudly on her Facebook page under the caption: “Three generations.”
His mum Susan was praised by the Truro Historical Society, which she was president of, for dedicating her time to charitable causes.
It paid tribute to her in a statement: “Susan brought immense creativity, energy, time and passion to our organization.
"“She loved Truro, and was totally committed to preserving our history and culture and the well-being of her beloved town.”
The 69-year-old also dedicated her time to the Disabled, the Community Preservation Committee and the Walsh Committee in her local community.
