Beverly Helen Karns, 30, was fatally shot at a residence at 640 Maxwell Avenue in Evansville, Indiana on Saturday, April 9, 2016. A musician and mother of two sons, she worked as a rural carrier for the United States Postal Service and was described by those who knew her as a free spirit who saw the good in people and was always willing to help others.

Witnesses said Howell warned them not to call police; after the shooting he put Beverly’s body in her truck and fled. A multi-county chase began after the truck crashed in Warrick County and her body was ejected. A Good Samaritan who stopped to help and called 911 was shot by Howell; Howell then stole another vehicle and was later apprehended in Dubois County.

Howell was charged with murder and intimidation. At trial he said he believed Beverly was reaching for a gun, but the trial record states she was unarmed and was reaching for her car keys and an e-cigarette; the jury convicted him of voluntary manslaughter. Anyone who knew Beverly or has information about what happened that night is asked to come forward.