A jury found an Illinois man guilty of first-degree murder on Tuesday for killing of his mother after reportedly becoming upset about her dating life.
46-year-old Neil Howard—who resided in his mother's basement—had become increasingly enraged about her relationships, ultimately leading to a fatal confrontation, according to prosecutors,
Howard phoned 911 on the evening of September 13, 2023 citing concern for the well being of his mother, Norma J. Caraker. When officers arrived, they found Caraker unresponsive in her bed with a bungee cord still wrapped tightly around her neck. Despite resuscitation attempts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the trial, Assistant State's Attorney Luke Yager argued that Howard's anger over his mother's dating life had been building until he was intoxicated enough to act on it. "He wrapped that cord around her neck and he pulled, until she stopped breathing," Yager told jurors.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning a guilty verdict. Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine praised the meticulous investigative work of the Troy Police Department, Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services, and other law enforcement agencies that contributed to securing the conviction.
"This was a challenging case that relied heavily on scientific and technological evidence," Haine stated. "We continue to hold the family and loved ones of Norma in our prayers."
Howard, who remains in the Madison County Jail, faces up to 60 years in prison and will be sentenced at a later date.
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