Caregiver and Accomplice Indicted for Murder of Disabled Man in Chambers County

Chambers County Detectives, with assistance from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, have made significant progress in the investigation surrounding the death of 37-year-old Daniel Howey, a wheelchair-bound individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The investigation, which began when Howey’s body was discovered in Dutton Lake on FM 2354, has led detectives to suspect foul play in his death. Detectives identified Carroll Richardson, Howey’s caregiver at the Caring Hands Group Home in Harris County, as a suspect. It was revealed that Howey had received a substantial settlement from a personal injury case in May 2020, which Richardson allegedly depleted through various transactions benefiting himself, associates, and his business.

Eyewitness accounts and motive came to light during the investigation, suggesting that Howey’s murder may have been prompted by his threat to report Richardson for the theft of his settlement money. Shaun Sandles, identified as an accomplice of Richardson, was also implicated in the case.

On May 30, 2024, a Chambers County Grand Jury indicted both Richardson and Sandles on charges of Murder. Chambers County Detectives, along with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, apprehended Richardson during an unrelated court hearing in Harris County. Richardson was taken into custody without incident and transported to Chambers County Jail. Sandles is currently incarcerated at the Powledge Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on unrelated charges out of Harris County.

Sheriff Brian Hawthorne commended the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office for their dedication in preparing the case and thanked all agencies involved in the investigation. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office encourages victims of exploitation and abuse to come forward and report their experiences. Any further information relating to the incident can be provided to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (409) 267-2500.