| For Immediate Release Case # 07CF2191 September 17, 2007 |
Contact: Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486 |
FUGITIVE DAD ARRESTED IN COLORADO
FOR ABDUCTING 10-YEAR-OLD SON
*Grandmother also charged for helping her son unlawfully take her grandson
SANTA ANA – A fugitive father who abducted his son and fled Orange County was arrested this morning in Colorado Springs on an Orange County warrant. Murrell Michael Howell, 34, formerly of Costa Mesa, is charged with one felony count of child abduction. The child’s grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Howell, 65, Evergreen, Colorado, is also charged with one felony count of child abduction for her role in helping her son, Murrell Howell, unlawfully take her grandson. The Howells each face a maximum of three years in prison if convicted. Both were arrested today in Colorado and are awaiting extradition hearings. Murrell Howell is being held on the $25,000 warrant and Mary Howell is being held on $100,000 bail.
On June 4, 2007, Murrell Howell is accused of taking his 10-year-old son and fleeing California. The defendant had visitation rights with the boy, but Murrell Howell’s ex-wife had custody of their son. The defendant is accused of taking the child and moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and living in an apartment provided to him by his mother, Mary Howell. Murrell Howell was found living in Colorado Springs after a tip was received by someone who had seen the child’s picture on a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flyer. Murrell and Mary Howell were both arrested today by the Colorado Springs Police Department. The son is being held in Colorado by Social Services pending the arrival of his mother.
Deputy District Attorney Jim Bacin of the Family Protection Unit is prosecuting this case.
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