KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Already charged with three counts of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and two counts of first-degree assault in Jackson County related to a triple homicide, Brandon Howell was charged Wednesday afternoon for allegations stemming from a Motel 6 incident in Platte County. Prosecutors allege that after leaving the first crime scene in South Kansas City, Howell traveled north and assaulted guests at Motel 6 located at 8230 NW Prairie View Rd.
Howell was charged with six total counts including: first-degree felony assault, first-degree felony burglary, first-degree felony tampering and another felony for unlawful possession of a firearm. Additionally he was charged with two counts of misdemeanor third-degree assault.
A probable cause statement describes that the first victim told police Howell initially asked him to borrow a lighter. That victim opened his room door and Howell allegedly forced his way in and grabbed the victim by the throat, closed the door and began punching him repeatedly in the face. A second victim emerged from the bathroom and pulled Howell off the first victim, tearing Howell’s shirt off in the process.
Both of those victims attempted to run, the first crawling out of the room and yelling for help, only to be caught by Howell according to a third victim’s statement. That victim said she saw Howell pursue the first victim with his fist raised and he punched her as he ran past. As Howell continued to pursue the first victim, the third victim called 911 from her room.
Then a witness who works at the Motel 6 told police she saw Howell pick up the first victim and drop him before running away from the scene. Shortly before midnight Wednesday, officers were sent to Barry Road at its intersection with Interstate 29 regarding a suspicious person. According to the probable cause statement, officers believed Howell matched the description of the assault suspect previously given by witnesses and victims and attempted to apprehend him.
Howell initially refused verbal commands and was shielding his body in a way that officers thought he was attempting to conceal something. Officers were able to apprehend Howell and located at Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun upon frisking him. They also found four live rounds of 12 gauge ammunition in the magazine.
A further search of Howell produced keys to a stolen 2002 Toyota Highlander that was taken from the homicide scene in South Kansas City. Howell was arrested and taken to Kansas City, Mo. Police headquarters, he refused to give any statements without an attorney. While he’s being held without bond in Jackson County, prosecutors requested a $250,000 bond for the Platte County charges.
