Human remains found, additional charges filed in McCracken County animal cruelty case

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

McCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — McCracken County Sheriff’s Office announced additional charges against a man already jailed in connection with an ongoing investigation that began with an animal cruelty case.

During the investigation, detectives learned that David Howery’s father, Dillard Howery, had been reported missing and may not have been seen since 2015. Investigators followed leads that led them to a former residence of David Howery on Broyles Avenue.

With assistance from a forensic pathology team from the University of Tennessee, investigators located skeletal remains buried at what is now a vacant lot. Authorities said the remains are believed to belong to Dillard Howery.

During the course of the investigation, detectives also found child sexual abuse material on David Howery’s phone. Arrest warrants were obtained charging him with possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, abuse of a corpse and failure to notify authorities of a death.

Officials said Howery was served with the warrants at the McCracken County Jail, where he has been incarcerated since April 2025.

The sheriff’s office said it has coordinated with federal law enforcement regarding a possible federal investigation related to the concealment of Dillard Howery’s death.

The case stems from a March 31, 2025, investigation into animal cruelty at a residence in the 9000 block of Woodville Road in the West Paducah area. Deputies executed a search warrant at the home, where 18 dogs were found living in what officials described as deplorable conditions. One dog was euthanized at the scene due to its condition.

Authorities said the home was infested with fleas and rodents, with crates stacked from floor to ceiling and animals forced to defecate and urinate onto crates below. In total, 32 dogs were identified as victims in the case.

All animals were removed by McCracken County Animal Control and taken to the McCracken County Humane Society. At the time of the original investigation, authorities sought information on David Howery’s whereabouts.

Sheriff Ryan Norman said the humane society continues to need supplies and financial assistance to care for the animals involved in the case.