Cause of death released for man in New Bedford jail accused of setting his mother on fire and killing her

A Massachusetts man accused of killing his mother and setting her on fire has died in a South Coast jail.

Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe and Truro Police Chief Jamie Calise announced Saturday that as a result of a request for a well-being check and a separate report of a fire, emergency personnel responded to a location in Truro at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday night.

Upon arrival, responders encountered a man outside of the house and a fire on the front lawn. As the emergency personnel realized that it was a body that was burning, the man ran into the house and locked the door. The Cape Cod Regional SWAT Team responded and ultimately made entry into the home placing the man into custody.

The suspect, 34-year-old Adam Howe, was subsequently charged with Murder.

According to the DA’s Office, evidence suggests that the decedent is 70-year-old Susan Howe, the mother of Adam Howe.

Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office stated that correctional officers at the jail found Adam Howe unresponsive to verbal and physical checks at 3:04 p.m. Sunday. New Bedford EMS was immediately contacted, while three correctional officers and two correctional nurses performed CPR on Howe. He was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 3:37 p.m. of suicide.

Miliote stated that Howe was alone in his cell in an isolated unit at the time of the incident, was wearing inmate clothing specifically designed for at risk prisoners, and was on random 15-minute spot checks.

Howe was supposed to be evaluated for mental health issues as a result of conversations with and information from family members.

No foul play is suspected. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of Howe and will conduct an autopsy.