Charee Nichole Howard: Doctor found not guilty by reason of insanity in killing of sister

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA: A judge has ruled that Dr Charee Nichole Howard, a licensed osteopathic physician, is not guilty because of insanity for the killing of her beloved sister, Sherry Lynn Howard.

The incident took place at their shared home in Florida, and Charee, 39, is now slated to be placed in the custody of a state hospital.

Who was Sherry Lynn Howard?

Sherry, 54, who worked as a Realtor for Keller Williams, was described by family members as a significant figure in her younger sibling's life.

The close-knit sisters had shared a strong bond, with Sherry playing a motherly role to Charee following the death of their parents, according to reports.

The event unfolded on April 11 when Charee made a distressing call to 911, admitting to choking her sister, as per FOX. Responding law enforcement found Sherry on the floor inside the front door of their home.

Mental health experts raise concerns about Charee Howard's schizophrenia diagnosis

The state's mental health expert, Dr Mark Ruiz, testified that Charee was suffering from schizophrenia, leading to "episodes of bizarre behavior" and "delusional beliefs related to witchcraft or spiritual warfare."

Dr Ruiz, along with the defense psychologist, Dr Michael Maher, expressed concerns about Charee being a danger to herself and others, particularly if left untreated. He noted that Charee had been diagnosed with "psychotic-like" behavior shortly before the killing but was not consistently taking her medication.

Disturbing incidents leading up to the killing included Charee calling 911 in March to claim that a man in her home had tied her up.

The state expert described the killing as "striking when you know how well-educated this woman was, is, and how high she functioned in the community prior to this,” he claimed. “She appeared to be exhibiting signs of psychotic or paranoid episodes.” 

Family members, including the sisters' aunt Debborah Howard, expressed shock and confusion over the incident, highlighting the strong relationship between the two.

Debborah remarked, "I know my nieces are good nieces. I know how their mother raised them. They were like two peas in a pod, so what triggered this off, I don’t know."