Illinois Woman Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatally Striking Husband with Car Outside Store
DIX, IL — A local woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to running over and killing her husband in a drugstore parking lot while under the influence of alcohol, authorities said. Melissa Howes, 54, of Dix, acknowledged her role in the death of 49-year-old Jeffrey Howes by entering guilty pleas to first-degree murder and aggravated DUI charges. The violent incident unfolded in September 2024 at a Dollar General store, …