Men face charges following Idaho grandmother’s death

IDAHO FALLS – The recent discovery of a 78-year-old eastern Idaho woman’s death five years ago has led to charges against her son-in-law and grandson, authorities said.

The Post Register reports in a story on Saturday that Naoma Ware’s grandson, 24-year-old Harley Howell, is charged with abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult and failure to report a death.

And Ware’s son-in-law, Douglas Howell, is charged with abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult.

Harley Howell told authorities he got into an argument with Ware in October 2014 and that he shoved her to the floor and kicked her. Police said Harley Howell returned the next day and found her dead, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office said.

Ware’s daughter, Danielle Howell, helped hide the body, police said. Danielle Howell died from car crash injuries in November.

Police said they started investigating after a woman tried to inform Ware of her daughter’s death.

Police examined Ware’s bank account and discovered she was still receiving Social Security benefits. Further investigation showed the account was used for internet bills and groceries. Police then contacted Harley Howell.

Harley Howell told police that Danielle Howell, his mother, was afraid to report the death because Ware was malnourished when she died. They hid Ware’s body in different locations before finally burying it inside a pen for ducks.

Harley Howell also told police that he’d seen Douglas Howell kick Ware and leave her on the floor in pain.

Both men are being investigated by the IRS for the money spent after Ware’s death, police said.

It’s not clear from court records if either man has an attorney.