Topline: A sheriff’s deputy and bystander reportedly jacked up the car to get the vehicle off of the victim.
Published: March 16, 2025 7:00 am ET
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Melissa Howes (via Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)
DIX, IL — An Illinois woman pleaded guilty to intentionally running over her husband and killing him last year.
Authorities announced 54-year-old Melissa Howes pleaded guilty this week to First Degree Murder and Aggravated DUI for the death of her husband, 49-year-old Jeffrey D. Howes, in September 2024, in Dix, Illinois.
The incident happened around 8 p.m. on September 2, 2024, at the Dollar General store parking lot in Dix, IL. Police were initally alerted to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
At the scene, investigators learned that the pedestrian was Jeffrey Howes and that he had been struck by his own vehicle, driven by his spouse, Melissa Howes.
Rescue efforts were attempted, but he later died at a nearby hospital.
Officials said evidence of alcohol impairment was observed with Melissa and Sheriff’s Office Detectives were contacted to assist. Upon completion of the investigation, Melissa was arrested and placed in the Jefferson County Justice Center.
Police say the investigation concluded Howes intentionally ran over her husband.
Incident logs stated the person was “under the car” at the time of the report, according to The Sentinel.
A sheriff’s deputy and bystander reportedly jacked up the car to get the vehicle off of Jeffrey Howes.
As part of the plea, Melissa agreed to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder for Intentionally Running Over Husband in Parking Lot
A sheriff’s deputy and bystander reportedly jacked up the car to get the vehicle off of the victim.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 16, 2025 7:00 am ET
Melissa Howes (via Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)
DIX, IL — An Illinois woman pleaded guilty to intentionally running over her husband and killing him last year.
Authorities announced 54-year-old Melissa Howes pleaded guilty this week to First Degree Murder and Aggravated DUI for the death of her husband, 49-year-old Jeffrey D. Howes, in September 2024, in Dix, Illinois.
The incident happened around 8 p.m. on September 2, 2024, at the Dollar General store parking lot in Dix, IL. Police were initally alerted to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
At the scene, investigators learned that the pedestrian was Jeffrey Howes and that he had been struck by his own vehicle, driven by his spouse, Melissa Howes.
Rescue efforts were attempted, but he later died at a nearby hospital.
Officials said evidence of alcohol impairment was observed with Melissa and Sheriff’s Office Detectives were contacted to assist. Upon completion of the investigation, Melissa was arrested and placed in the Jefferson County Justice Center.
Police say the investigation concluded Howes intentionally ran over her husband.
Incident logs stated the person was “under the car” at the time of the report, according to The Sentinel.
A sheriff’s deputy and bystander reportedly jacked up the car to get the vehicle off of Jeffrey Howes.
As part of the plea, Melissa agreed to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder for Intentionally Running Over Husband in Parking Lot
A sheriff’s deputy and bystander reportedly jacked up the car to get the vehicle off of the victim.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 16, 2025 7:00 am ET
Melissa Howes (via Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)
DIX, IL — An Illinois woman pleaded guilty to intentionally running over her husband and killing him last year.
Authorities announced 54-year-old Melissa Howes pleaded guilty this week to First Degree Murder and Aggravated DUI for the death of her husband, 49-year-old Jeffrey D. Howes, in September 2024, in Dix, Illinois.
The incident happened around 8 p.m. on September 2, 2024, at the Dollar General store parking lot in Dix, IL. Police were initally alerted to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
At the scene, investigators learned that the pedestrian was Jeffrey Howes and that he had been struck by his own vehicle, driven by his spouse, Melissa Howes.
Rescue efforts were attempted, but he later died at a nearby hospital.
Officials said evidence of alcohol impairment was observed with Melissa and Sheriff’s Office Detectives were contacted to assist. Upon completion of the investigation, Melissa was arrested and placed in the Jefferson County Justice Center.
Police say the investigation concluded Howes intentionally ran over her husband.
Incident logs stated the person was “under the car” at the time of the report, according to The Sentinel.
A sheriff’s deputy and bystander reportedly jacked up the car to get the vehicle off of Jeffrey Howes.
As part of the plea, Melissa agreed to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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