First Degree Murder charges sought in Bates County case

According to a report from the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, February 3, at approximately 10:47 p.m., Kathleen L. Howell contacted the Bates County Sheriff’s Department by telephone and advised the on duty dispatcher that she had “killed her mother”.

Bates County Deputies were dispatched to Rt. 1 Box 271AA, Rich Hill, MO, a residence outside of Foster, MO. Upon arrival, Bates County deputies were met by Kathleen L. Howell. She advised the deputies that she had killed her mother, Katie F. Howell. Howell was placed under arrest and the deputies entered the residence. They found Katie F. Howell on the floor, unresponsive and covered with blood. Bates County EMS and Bates County Coroner Gary Schowengerdt were contacted.

Schowengerdt indicated that the time of death for Katie Howell occurred sometime before 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2008. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday, February 5.

Kathleen Howell is currently being held at the Bates County Sheriff’s Office on a $500,000.00 cash only bond. Charges of Murder in the First Degree are being sought.