OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that Oscar L. Howell , dob: 3/11/1976 of Ozark, Missouri was found guilty after a jury trial presided over by the Honorable Judge Mark Orr on April 29-30, 2013, of domestic assault in the third degree and unlawful use of a weapon.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Janette Bleau represented the State of Missouri. Evidence presented by the State included:
On July 8, 2011, Deputy J. Lofton of the Christian County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to a residence in Christian County, Missouri. The victim, who was in an ongoing relationship and had children in common with Howell, testified she and Howell were in an argument when he arrived at her home in the early morning hours. She stated Howell had choked her, threatened her with a knife and a gun. She also stated Howell had threatened suicide and cut his own face. Howell had fled the home prior to the Deputy’s arrival. Howell was found walking on W Highway, approximately a mile and a half from the residence, a few hours later by Trooper Smith. Trooper Smith transported Howell to the Christian County Jail where Deputy Lofton spoke with Howell after reading Miranda rights to him. Howell indicated he had been at the home that morning and that he and the victim argued. Howell admitted to threatening suicide. Deputy Lofton noticed cut marks to Howell’s face.
Further, the Court found the defendant to be a prior and persistent felony offender based on the following:
That on or about the 18th day of June, 2010 defendant pled guilty in the Circuit Court of Christian County, Case No. 08N8-CR00834-01 to assault in the second degree, and
That on or about 10th day of April, 1996, defendant pled in the Circuit Court of Greene County, Case No. 31495CF1511, to robbery in the first degree.
Range of punishment for domestic assault in the third degree is: one day to one year in the Christian County Jail and/or a fine up to $1000.
As a prior and persistent offender the range of punishment for unlawful use of a weapon is: one year in the Christian County Jail or two to seven years in the Department of Corrections and/or up to a $5000 fine.
Sentencing is set for June 21, 2013.
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