Scott County murder suspect makes first court appearance

BENTON, Mo. -- A man accused of killing his mother then burning her body to cover up the crime made his first appearance Wednesday on the charges in Scott County.

Neil Howland Jr., 25, of Scott City appeared via video Wednesday for arraignment after being charged with four felonies in connection with the Aug. 7 murder of his mother Cynthia Canoy, also of Scott City.

Circuit Judge Scott Horman set the case for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.

Howland is charged with first-degree murder, abandonment of a corpse, tampering with evidence and knowingly burning, all felonies.

On Aug. 7, crews responding to a car fire off County Road 323 discovered a body in the car and called the sheriff's department. Sheriff Rick Walter activated the SEMO Major Case Squad for an investigation. Because of the condition of the body, authorities did not release the victim's identity until Aug. 14 because they awaited confirmation through DNA tests. An autopsy showed Canoy died before the fire.

Howland is charged with killing Canoy by strangling her with a dog leash. Howland transported her body and two of Canoy's dogs to a field near the county road and set the vehicle on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence, according to a probable-cause affidavit signed by Lt. Jerry Bledsoe of the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

Howland was arrested Aug. 9, two days after his mother's body was found, on charges of third-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon stemming from a May 18 incident in which Canoy and her husband, Jerry Canoy, told police Howland had threatened them with a machete and firearms, and they feared for their lives.

Arraignment for these charges is set for Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.

Howland is represented by public defender Amy Commean in his murder case. Commean wasn't available for comment following the hearing.

skluesner@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO

Scott City, MO