Son Dies In Custody After He’s Arrested For Killing Mother, Burning Her Body In Yard

A Massachusetts man is under arrest after he allegedly killed his mother and set her body on fire in the yard of their home, police said.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, officers in Truro conducting a wellbeing check at the home of Susan Howe, 69, discovered a fire outside and saw a man, later identified as her 34-year-old son, Adam Howe, run inside and lock the door, Boston’s NBC 10 reported, citing police and prosecutors.

According to the station, officers at the scene realized a body — later identified as belonging to Susan Howe — was in the fire and a SWAT team was called to the residence to arrest Adam Howe on suspicion of murder.

While in custody, the Bristol County Sheriff's Office said Adam Howe suffered a medical emergency and was pronounced dead after he was transported to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

The cause of the suspect’s death is under investigation, authorities said.

Before Adam Howe died, prosecutors noted he was to undergo a mental health evaluation based on information investigators obtained from relatives, NBC 10 reported.

“Out of respect for the family, we have no additional comment or details,” public information officer Jonathan Darling said in a statement on Oct. 2. “That family has been through a lot this weekend; please keep them in your prayers.”