Man Convicted of Murdering Mother-in-law in Harris County, Texas
Xavier Howard was found guilty of murdering his mother-in-law, Tammy Mouton, in January 2022 in Harris County, Texas. The tragic incident occurred when Mouton, who had recently moved in with Howard’s family, was strangled by Howard at their home.
Cover-Up Attempt and Investigation
After committing the heinous act, Howard attempted to cover up the crime by setting fire to his home in northwest Harris County. He then returned to the scene to help rescue his neighbor’s two daughters, who were still inside the burning house. Fortunately, the children survived despite suffering from smoke inhalation.
Firefighters who responded to the scene found Mouton’s body lying face up on the floor inside the home, with injuries that were inconsistent with those typically sustained in a house fire. Further investigation revealed that the fire had been intentionally set in a room near the front of the home, and Mouton had also suffered blunt force trauma to her head, indicating foul play.
Prosecution and Sentencing
During the trial, lead prosecutor Stacey Schofield shed light on Howard’s motive, suggesting that his troubled relationship with his wife may have driven him to commit the murder. She mentioned that Howard and his wife were experiencing marital issues, and he feared that her grief over her mother’s death would drive her away. As a result, he resorted to extreme measures in a misguided attempt to keep her close.
The penalty phase of the trial began shortly after Howard’s conviction, during which a judge will determine his sentence. Howard faces the possibility of spending anywhere from five years to life in prison for his heinous crime.
Through a thorough investigation and a fair trial, justice was served in the case of Xavier Howard, the man convicted of murdering his mother-in-law in Harris County, Texas. The legal system has worked to hold him accountable for his actions, providing closure for the victim’s family and ensuring that he faces the consequences of his horrific deed.
