Truro Man Charged In Mother's Killing Dies In Police Custody

TRURO, MA — A Truro man charged with murder after the body of his mother was found burning on the front lawn of a Cape Cod house Friday night died following a medical emergency in his New Bedford jail cell on Sunday.

The Bristol County Sheriff's Office said Adam Howe, 34, suffered what was called a medical emergency in his cell at the Ash Street Jail and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead Sunday night.

Truro Police Chief Jamie Calise said on Saturday that officers responded to a well-being check and a fire in Truro at about 9:30 Friday night where they found Howe outside of his house and a fire on the front lawn.

"As the emergency personnel realized that it was a body that was burning, the male subject ran into the house and locked the door," Calise said.

Calise said Cape Cod Regional SWAT Team responded, entered the home and took Howe into custody. He was charged with murder.

The body was identified as Susan Howe, 69, of Truro.

Calise said on Saturday that "arrangements are being made to have Mr. Howe evaluated for mental health issues as a result of conversations with and information from family members."

The Bristol County DA's Office said on Sunday: "That family has been through a lot this weekend. Please keep them in your prayers."