Frank Howard is a name that became synonymous with betrayal, manipulation, and attempted murder following the shocking events of 2012 in Carrollton, Texas. To the outside world, he appeared to be a successful, religious family man—a devoted husband and father. But behind that façade lay a dark, calculated plot to murder his wife of nearly 30 years, Nancy Howard. This article explores the life of Frank Howard, the secrets he kept hidden, and how his double life culminated in a failed assassination attempt that stunned the community.
The Public Persona: A Family Man with Deep Community Roots
Frank Howard was widely regarded as a respectable figure. He worked as a financial officer for a Christian organization and was deeply involved in church activities alongside his wife, Nancy. Friends and colleagues described him as soft-spoken, religious, and committed to his family. He had three children and lived what many considered a stable, moral life in a quiet Texas suburb.
To most, Frank represented the ideal Christian father and husband. He and Nancy were known for hosting church events and volunteering together. No one suspected that this model citizen was harboring disturbing secrets that would eventually surface in a horrifying way.
A Double Life: Affairs, Embezzlement, and Deception
Unbeknownst to those around him, Frank had been living a double life for several years. He was engaged in a long-term extramarital affair with a woman living in California. To maintain this hidden relationship, Frank began siphoning off funds from his employer. Investigators later revealed that he had embezzled millions of dollars—money used to finance his other life, which included expensive gifts, travel, and a separate identity.
His financial crimes were deeply intertwined with his personal betrayal. The web of lies and deceit grew so complex that Frank ultimately viewed his wife as an obstacle to the life he wanted to lead—free of commitment, judgment, and accountability.
The Murder Plot: Hiring a Hitman
In a chilling turn of events, Frank decided to have his wife killed. He sought out individuals willing to commit murder-for-hire, offering them money in exchange for Nancy’s life. Over the course of several years, he worked with multiple intermediaries in an attempt to arrange the killing.
On August 18, 2012, Nancy was ambushed in her own garage. A man approached her, demanded her purse, and then shot her in the face. Miraculously, she survived. Despite severe injuries, including damage to her jaw, eye, and lungs, Nancy was able to call for help and was rushed to the hospital.
At first, the crime appeared to be a failed robbery. But inconsistencies quickly emerged. As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered Frank’s financial crimes, his affair, and finally, his role in the murder attempt.
Arrest and Trial: The Truth Comes Out
Frank Howard was arrested after investigators found damning evidence linking him to the plot. Testimonies from the hired assailants, financial records, and phone logs pointed directly to his involvement. He was charged with attempted capital murder, fraud, and conspiracy.
During his trial in 2014, the courtroom heard shocking details of his betrayal. Nancy, despite her trauma, testified bravely about the ordeal. Frank showed little remorse as the evidence mounted against him. Ultimately, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
The court proceedings exposed not only the extent of his deception but also the depth of his moral and legal failings. For many, it was difficult to reconcile the image of the church-going father with the man who tried to kill his wife.
Life Behind Bars: Where Is Frank Howard Now?
Frank Howard is currently serving a life sentence in a Texas prison. Cut off from the life he tried to reshape through violence, he now faces the consequences of his actions. His downfall serves as a sobering reminder that evil can often wear a mask of righteousness.
Nancy, on the other hand, has rebuilt her life with remarkable strength and resilience. She has shared her story through public speaking and a memoir, using her experience to inspire others facing trauma and betrayal.
FAQs
Who is Frank Howard?
Frank Howard was a financial officer and church leader who attempted to have his wife murdered in 2012. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Why did Frank Howard want to kill his wife?
He was living a secret life involving an affair and financial crimes. He wanted Nancy out of the way to fully pursue this new life without consequences.
How was the murder plot uncovered?
Investigators found financial discrepancies, discovered his affair, and gathered testimony from the individuals he hired. These clues led to his arrest.
What sentence did he receive?
Frank Howard was sentenced to life in prison for attempted capital murder.
What happened to Nancy Howard?
Nancy survived the attack and continues to live a full life. She has written about her experiences and now works to help others recover from trauma.
Frank Howard’s case is a chilling study of duality—the trusted man with a hidden agenda, the loving husband who became a conspirator to murder. His story is a tragic yet powerful reminder that trust, once broken by such profound betrayal, can have irreversible consequences.