News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Jason P. Clark MSHP
(573) 522-0980
Sheriff Stephen Korte
(573) 324-3202

DDCC05072009
May 07, 2009

EMPHASIS: Pike County Homicide Investigation


Captain Luke Vislay, director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the arrest of Douglas J. Howery, 57, of Springfield, Missouri. Howery was arrested in Springfield at approximately 6 p.m., on May 7, 2009, regarding the murder investigation of Betty Ann Howery. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Troop C Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have worked collectively during this investigation to identify the victim.

Howery was reported missing on February 24, 1992, from St. Charles County, Missouri. After being a missing person nearly 17 years, her remains were located inside the septic tank of her former residence at Rural Route 1, Box 89D, Annada, Missouri, on October 12, 2008. Douglas Howery, the victim’s husband, was arrested for first degree murder, and will be held in the Pike County Jail on $1 million bond.

The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt.




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