Woman facing charge after spouse dies in pedestrian, vehicle crash

DIX, Ill. (KBSI) – A woman faces charges after her spouse was struck by his own vehicle and died.

Melissa K. Howes, 54, of Centralia, Illinois faces a charge of aggravated DUI involving a death.

Sheriff’s deputies reponded to the Dollar General store parking lot in Dix around 8:05 p.m. on September 2 after receiving a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.

At least one unit from the state police responded to assist.

Deputies learned that the pedestrian identified as 49-year-old Jeffrey D. Howes of Centralia had been struck by his own vehicle driven by his spouse, Melissa K. Howes, according to Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies.

Sheriff’s deputies, members of Jefferson County Fire Protection District and Litton Ambulance tried rescue efforts on Howes.

He was pronounced dead at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, where he had been taken to from the scene.

Sheriff’s deputies say evidence of alcohol impairment was seen with Melissa Howes.

Melissa Howes was arrested and taken to the Jefferson County Justice Center.