Man Indicted In Mother's Machete Death

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) -- A 47-year-old man now faces a first-degree murder indictment for a machete attack on his mother in their western Minnesota home.

An Otter Tail County grand jury this week indicted James Howard of Dalton on first- and second-degree murder charges.

Howard is accused of attacking his 68-year-old mother, Barbara Howard, with a machete last April. She died two weeks later.

James Howard allegedly told paramedics he intended to kill his mother to end her suffering from cancer and diabetes.

A first-degree murder conviction carries a life sentence. Conviction on the second-degree murder charge would carry a sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

Earlier this month, Howard was ruled competent to stand trial. KBRF-AM reports his arraignment is scheduled Monday.

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