An Illinois woman pleaded guilty to shoving her husband to the ground and crushing him with her car outside a Dollar General. Melissa Howes photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Illinois Woman RUNS OVER Husband at Dollar General—KILLING Caught on Camera!

An Illinois woman pleaded guilty to shoving her husband to the ground and crushing him with her car outside a Dollar General. 🌐 #News #DixIL #Illinois #Crime

DIX, IL —A shocking crime rocked the small village of Dix, Illinois, when a woman deliberately ran over her husband in a Dollar General parking lot. Authorities say 54-year-old Melissa Howes has now pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated DUI in the September 2024 death of her 49-year-old husband, Jeffrey Howes.

The terrifying attack, captured on surveillance footage, unfolded at 101 S. Main St., where an argument between the couple turned deadly.

Investigators say the video shows Melissa shoving Jeffrey to the ground before climbing into her car.

What happened next was chilling—she reversed her vehicle, then slammed the gas, running over her husband as he lay helpless on the pavement.

Desperate Rescue Attempts Fail

Deputies arrived at the grisly scene to find Jeffrey trapped beneath the car. A sheriff’s deputy and a bystander frantically worked to lift the vehicle, giving first responders a chance to reach him.

As his condition worsened, CPR was performed while he was rushed to a local hospital. But it was too late—Jeffrey was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Alcohol, Murder, and a 20-Year Sentence

Authorities noted signs of alcohol impairment in Melissa Howes, leading to her arrest on aggravated DUI charges.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that their investigation concluded she had intentionally used her car as a weapon.

Facing overwhelming evidence, including the damning surveillance footage, Melissa Howes pleaded guilty in felony court and agreed to a 20-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

She remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail, awaiting transfer to state prison.

This horrific case, described in police logs as a “person vs. car” incident, leaves a trail of devastation—and a small rural town stunned by the brutality of a crime that unfolded in broad daylight.

A Moment for Reflection

Jack and Kitty Norton from JackAndKitty.com offer a Moment of Reflection

Jeffrey Howes’ life was cut short in a tragic act of violence, leaving behind loved ones who must now navigate an unimaginable loss. The small community of Dix, Illinois, has been shaken by this crime, reminding us all how quickly lives can be changed forever. Even in the darkest moments, there is hope for healing, justice, and a future where such tragedies become far less common. Thanks for reading this article, we appreciate it! Until next time, remember: you deserve to feel good today! — Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Illinois

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