Duval County Jury Finds Howell Guilty of Attempted Manslaughter

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Joseph Howell guilty of Attempted Manslaughter with a Weapon of his sister. With the verdict, Howell faces 15 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Mark Borello will sentence Howell at a later date.

On March 25, 2022, the victim and Howell were in the home they live in with their mother. The victim told officers she was in the living room when she heard Howell muttering to himself. He walked out of the room and attacked her on the couch. Howell accused the victim of taking his stuff and stabbed her multiple times.  The victim had injuries to her face, arm, and leg. Howell did not want her to call the police but allowed the victim to call for medical assistance. Around 2:20 a.m., an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and placed multiple tourniquets on the victim before she was taken to the hospital. Then, Howell was taken into custody.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Loana Nardoni and Rachel Allison.