Illinois woman pleads guilty to intentionally running over her husband

DIX, Ill. (TCN) — A woman will spend two decades behind bars for intentionally running over her husband last year.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Melissa Howes pleaded guilty on March 11 to first-degree murder and aggravated DUI involving a death. As part of her plea, Howes agreed to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On the evening of Sept. 2, 2024, deputies responded to a Dollar General parking lot to a report of a pedestrian hit by a car. At the scene, authorities learned Howes struck her husband, 49-year-old Jeffrey Howes, with his vehicle. Deputies and emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Jeffrey Howes was pronounced deceased when he was transported to a hospital.

The sheriff’s office said, “Evidence of alcohol impairment was observed with Melissa,” and she was arrested and initially booked into the Jefferson County Justice Center.

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