Son Kills His Own Mother Over Her Love Life

Mug shot of 46-Year-Old Neil Howard. Photo courtesy of Madison County Jail.

A 46-year-old Illinois man has been convicted of murdering his own mother in a shocking crime fueled by rage and control. In February 2025, a jury determined that Neil Howard, furious over his mother's romantic choices, is guilty of strangling 60-year-old Norma Caraker to death using a bungee cord inside her home in Troy, Illinois.

A Son's Deadly Rage

Howard's frustration escalated into violence on Sept. 13, 2023, when he used a cord to strangle Caraker after she came home from a date. Prosecutors argued that Howard was infuriated by his mother's dating life and believed she was "sleeping around," as reported by the New York Post.

Authorities discovered her lifeless body the next day after Howard called police around 1:30 a.m. and reported her as unresponsive.

Howard, who appeared to be intoxicated, told investigators that he had witnessed an unidentified man fleeing through a sliding glass door just moments before discovering his mother's body. However, authorities quickly determined that the door had been locked from the inside, contradicting his statement. Howard was taken into custody at the scene and was identified as the prime suspect.

A History of Violence

Howard had been living in his mother's basement at the time of her death, growing increasingly resentful of her relationships and financial decisions. His history of domestic violence painted a clear picture of a man prone to controlling and abusive behavior.

Prosecutors revealed that as far back as 2000, Howard had assaulted his ex-wife by throwing her to the ground and stepping on her throat while kicking her. Over the years, his violent tendencies continued, with multiple women reporting incidents of physical abuse, including being shoved into walls, punched in the face, and even hospitalized after being thrown to the ground.

One woman admitted to lying to police about her injuries in an effort to keep Howard out of jail. His history of rage and aggression ultimately culminated in the most horrific act of all — the murder of his own mother.

Other Possible Suspects

In the months leading up to her murder, Norma Caraker had been dating multiple men, one of whom was listed as the beneficiary of a $14,000 life insurance policy in her name. According to Caraker's daughter, this man may have been using her mother for money, which fueled tensions within the family. However, prosecutors dismissed any claims that he was involved in her death, arguing that his status as a beneficiary was not enough to suggest foul play.

Howard's defense team pointed to another suspect — one of Caraker's romantic partners — who admitted to going on a date with her the night she was killed. They argued that DNA found under Caraker's fingernails, inside her, and on the bungee cord around her neck did not match Howard but instead matched this man.

The defense claimed he was the only person whose DNA appeared in every location and criticized investigators for failing to thoroughly analyze evidence or pursue other suspects. However, prosecutors dismissed this argument, stating that the DNA was simply transfer evidence from their earlier encounter that evening.

Guilty Verdict Brings Justice

After a detailed trial, a jury found Howard guilty of first-degree murder in February 2025. The evidence and forensic reports left little room for doubt. According to the State's Attorney's Office, Howard's sentencing is set for a later date and faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison.

Howard, now convicted of murdering his mother, was previously a suspect in the 2005 death of his father, George Howard Jr., in Dallas County, Texas. At the time, Howard was arrested by Mesquite police in connection to his father's death but was later released when prosecutors failed to convince a grand jury to indict the then-26-year-old. Despite being a prime suspect, he never faced trial for the case.

When Family Becomes the Enemy

Friends and relatives of Caraker have described her as a kind and caring woman who simply wanted to live her life freely. Instead, she was met with violence at the hands of her own son — a man who couldn't accept her choices and ultimately let his anger turn deadly.

If you or someone you know is in need of support from domestic violence, help is available at The Hotline or at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

References: Man Strangled His Mother to Death with Cord Because He Was Angry She Was Dating | Illinois man convicted of mom's strangling death; prosecutors say he was mad she was dating | Son strangled mother, 60, because he was sick of her 'sleeping around' | Jury renders verdict in murder trial of Troy man accused of killing his mother