The name John Howard became known nationwide in 2012 after his then-wife, Nancy Howard, survived a horrific murder attempt in the garage of their Carrollton, Texas home. What initially appeared to be a random act of violence soon unraveled into a shocking betrayal: John Howard had orchestrated the attack in a calculated murder-for-hire plot.
Today, more than a decade later, many still search for updates about John Howard’s fate. This article offers a detailed, factual look into his current status, legal outcome, and what his life looks like today under a life sentence without parole.
Who Is John Howard?
John Franklin Howard was a respected member of his North Texas community. Outwardly, he lived a life rooted in faith, family, and professional success. But behind closed doors, his personal life was unraveling. He was engaged in an extramarital affair and had developed a motive to eliminate his wife, Nancy Howard, to start a new life—with financial benefits and fewer obligations.
The unraveling of this image—and the discovery of the plot he masterminded—shocked those who knew him and drew widespread media attention.
The Crime: A Premeditated Plot Against His Wife
On August 18, 2012, Nancy Howard was shot in the face in her own garage. She miraculously survived and managed to alert authorities, triggering an investigation that would uncover a calculated and deeply personal crime.
The investigation revealed that John Howard had:
- Planned the attack months in advance
- Used intermediaries to hire a hitman
- Sought financial gain from a life insurance policy
- Intended to begin a new life with his extramarital partner
These revelations led to a capital case involving multiple parties—but at the center stood John Howard, the man who once vowed to protect the woman he tried to have killed.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
John Howard was arrested and charged with solicitation of capital murder, a charge that reflects his role in initiating and funding the plot to kill his wife. His trial brought forth an abundance of evidence:
- Testimonies from intermediaries and conspirators
- Communication records linking him to the plan
- Documentation of the financial motive behind the crime
In 2014, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The court concluded that his role in the plot was central, calculated, and driven by selfish motives.
Where Is John Howard Now?
As of 2025, John Howard is currently serving his life sentence in a Texas state prison. Due to the severity of the crime and the life-without-parole sentence, he will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life unless a significant legal change occurs—which is highly unlikely.
He is classified as an inmate within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system. Inmates under this category are typically held in high-security facilities, given the nature of their convictions.
Known Details:
- Sentence: Life imprisonment without parole
- Facility: Specific unit not publicly disclosed for security and privacy reasons
- Parole eligibility: None—his sentence is terminal
- Inmate status: Active within the TDCJ system as of the latest public records
What Life Looks Like Under a Life Sentence
John Howard now lives in a highly structured environment, subject to strict rules and limited freedoms:
- Daily routines are dictated by prison schedules
- Communication is restricted to monitored letters and limited visitation
- Rehabilitation programs are typically offered, but for life-without-parole inmates, options are limited
- Work assignments may include low-security tasks within the facility
Unlike inmates with parole options, Howard faces no prospect of release and will spend the remainder of his life within institutional walls.
Public Perception and Continued Interest
Many people continue to follow the Nancy Howard case due to its emotional depth and extraordinary details:
- A devoted wife and mother nearly killed in her own home
- A husband’s double life exposed through criminal investigation
- A story of survival and strength against betrayal and violence
As a result, public curiosity surrounding John Howard’s current status remains strong. True crime programs, podcasts, and case studies continue to reference the case, often prompting renewed searches about his life after conviction.
No Appeals, No Releases
There are no known appeals or ongoing legal challenges filed by John Howard as of 2025. His conviction was firm, based on comprehensive evidence and supported by consistent testimonies.
Because he was convicted of soliciting a capital crime with premeditated intent, Texas law applied the maximum sentence allowable. His status as a non-parole-eligible inmate is final.
The Broader Impact of the Case
John Howard’s actions had long-lasting consequences—not only for his wife and family, but also for public awareness around domestic betrayal, financial manipulation, and hidden abuse.
The case has since been used in discussions involving:
- Murder-for-hire legal cases
- Survivor advocacy and trauma recovery
- Faith-based healing after abuse
- Warning signs of covert domestic manipulation
Nancy Howard’s survival and grace, contrasted with her husband’s manipulation and conviction, continue to make this case one of the most referenced examples of betrayal within marriage turned criminal.
Conclusion: A Life Lived Behind Bars
John Howard’s life changed the moment his plot was uncovered. Once a trusted spouse and churchgoer, he is now a convicted felon serving life without parole. As of 2025, he remains imprisoned in Texas, with no legal route to freedom.
His story stands as a chilling example of how deeply hidden motives can lead to devastating consequences—and how justice ultimately prevails when truth is revealed.
While Nancy Howard continues to live privately, rebuilding her life with strength and faith, John Howard’s fate is sealed within the justice system that held him accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is John Howard now?
He is serving a life sentence without parole in a Texas state prison. His exact facility is not publicly disclosed.
Was he ever eligible for parole?
No. His sentence is life without the possibility of parole due to the nature of the capital crime.
What were the charges against him?
He was convicted of solicitation of capital murder for orchestrating the attempted killing of his wife, Nancy Howard.
Has he appealed the conviction?
There are no known active appeals as of 2025. His conviction stands.
What is Nancy Howard doing now?
She remains alive and lives privately in Texas. She has chosen a quiet life focused on healing and faith.