UPDATE: Two bodies found in South Bend garage

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

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A man returning from vacation found two bodies in his garage in the 800 block of North Saint Peter Street

A man returning from vacation found two bodies in his garage in the 800 block of North Saint Peter Street in South Bend on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

SOUTH BEND — A man came home from vacation and found two people dead inside his garage. Now, South Bend police are working to find out why.

The bodies were found in a garage in the 800 block of North St. Peter Street around 12 p.m. Tuesday.

They have been identified as William Howell, 49, of South Bend and Clarissa L. Chism, 28, of South Bend. Police say Chism recently lived in California.

Police found no visible signs of injury to either one of the bodies, and no apparent signs of foul play.

Detectives confirm Howell is a relative of the homeowners, but the homeowners were not expecting anyone to be there while they were away over the last two weeks. For that reason, police are classifying the deaths as suspicious.

Family members said their neighborhood has been very supportive, and they're all working with investigators to try and find out what happened.

"My wife said she saw a white van hitting the alleys at a high rate of speed, circling the block,” said neighbor William Clark. “That's all I know."

St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit detectives were brought in to collect evidence. They also spoke with neighbors, but say no one saw or heard anything suspicious — including strange or unusual barks from the homeowners' dogs that are caged just behind the garage.

“I hear them barking, but I don't think nothing of it,” said neighbor Heidi Schmieder. “Mr. Howell always looked out for me, and I'll do the same for him, and everybody else.”

Detectives say they don't believe the bodies were in the garage for more than a few days. At this point police say they won’t know much more until autopsy results come back on Wednesday.

"The male party has been ID’d as a relative of the family, so it's not as if these two individuals are complete unknowns,” explained Capt. Phil Trent of the South Bend Police. “What isn't known is exactly how long they were there, and the exact cause of death at this time."

Stay with WSBT News and WSBT.com for the latest on this developing story.

Friday, Mar 28 at 1:19 PM NIECE wrote ...

I have to agree with Nephew, there is something else to this story. NO it wasn't suicide or insurance scam. Not Bo Howell. The police would look into it if he were a college student, or a white guy -- they do not need to sweep this under the rug. It is a tragedy that Unc had to find Bo this way, but the police need to step up and do their investigation right.

Thursday, Mar 20 at 9:15 AM Kristin wrote ...

um im pretty sure no one knows the "facts" so there was no reason to say that!! and sayin things like people are saying is a sin...God is the one that is supposed to be judging!!!

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 11:41 PM NEPHEW wrote ...

IM ASKING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO LOOK INTO THIS DONT SWEEP THIS UNDER THE RUG ITS SOMETHING ELSE TO THIS STORY DONT LET THIS GO

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 11:28 PM BAM wrote ...

PEACE AND LOVE TO THE HOWELL FAMILY MOST OF ALL AUNT MINNIE AND THE CHILDREN.MY MEMORIES AS A YOUTH OF AS WE CALLED HIM UNCLE BOE WILL ALWAYS BE GOOD AND HE WILL BE TRULLY MISSED. WHEN THE CORD IS CUT THAT BINDS US TO THIS EARTH WE GO ON TO SAIL ON SMOOTHER SEAS,AND ALL IS WELL. SO LETS NOT BE CONSUMED ON THE SUBJECT OF HOW HE DIED. BUT RATHER HOW HE LIVED AND WHAT HE STOOD FOR. AND THAT WAS LOVE,TRUTH,PEACE,FREEDOM,AND JUSTICE. R.I.P. UNCLE BOE

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 4:08 PM Ugh! wrote ...

No one is being heartless, and if they were, it is not a sin. Facts are facts and that is that. This is either a terrible accident or a double suicide made to look like one. I'm sorry for those left behind to mourn these people. You are in my prayers.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 12:20 PM Kristin wrote ...

NEWSFLASH!!!!! thei loved ones do read this so if you people could have a LITTLE bit of respect that would be great!!!!! i swear more people are going to go to hell these days for being HEARTLESS!

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 10:40 AM Just a comment... wrote ...

This is a forum for the PUBLIC to post their thoughts and feelings on the subject. It is not a sympathy card. I am sorry for the family, but, if they can't deal with this, they should probably stay off of here. If I were a loved one, I wouldn't read this stuff-it would be too painful, and unimportant.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 9:02 AM Kristin wrote ...

family members are going to read these posts they have a right to but people need to keep their smart comments to themselves doesnt anyone around here have a heart anymore???????

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 8:43 AM billy wrote ...

For being a rich, well fed country, America has a lot of gang activity; people in crime circles offing each other... you'd think this was Russia.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 8:41 AM Lorenzo wrote ...

I wonder if the victims died somehwere else and dumped there. And if they did indeed die in the garage, why were they in the garage in the first place...Were they in the car dead, or where they on the ground?...my condolences to the Howell family.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 7:02 AM Kevin wrote ...

The TV story said they may have been dead 5 days. Well, what was the fire truck doing or looking for practically in front of that house Thursday Night at 8:30? This wasn't mentioned in the news.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 6:27 AM An on wrote ...

If the families can't handle the comments, don't read the posts.

Wednesday, Mar 19 at 1:46 AM shane jones wrote ...

bo was a very good friend of mine a hard worker and all around good guy if you needed him he was there you might hear about but he was there and i will dearly miss you you bo howell and my prayers go out to his wife

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 9:50 PM Tommy wrote ...

SBTrib: “We’re going to check and see if there was alcohol involved, and we’ll check on the carbon monoxide level,” Well, they will report on alcohol being involved here BUT when an UNDERAGE ND student dies everyone is mum about what role alcohol was involved??? So sad. My prayers go out to them and their friends & family.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 9:49 PM Carla wrote ...

Maybe they were trying to stay warm in the garage...vehicle running...carbon monoxide poisoning? Just a thought.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 8:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

carbon monoxide kill them. said she just had little kid'

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 8:56 PM Teacher wrote ...

When you comment let's remember there might be family members reading these posts. Even possibly children of the deceased. Please try to be respectful in your comments and think before you make an insensitive post.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 7:50 PM Hmmm... wrote ...

Maybe they got into some bad drugs?!? Not really enough information to go on yet, but sounds very strange...

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 7:49 PM Tara wrote ...

Welcome to South Bend, such a beautiful city of criminals and dead people. I wonder if they would conitue to get grants for this type of stuff???

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 6:49 PM Me wrote ...

Doubble suicide or murder suicide would be my guess. How awful for the homeowner!

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 5:58 PM Cuz wrote ...

Yes, there are two dead bodies and William is my cousin (in-law). Our family is very sad and shocked to say the least. Please keep us and the Chism family in your prayers.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 4:46 PM JuStMe wrote ...

Ms,very well said. I hate to see what happens next. Peace be with the home owner.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 4:25 PM Bill wrote ...

Amy, I think you hit it right. If I found 2 bodies in my garage, I think I'd head right back to vacation.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 3:48 PM Heidi wrote ...

Look i live across the street from the crime scene and let me say ST PETER st has a history of violence what is this world comming TOO !!! i have a 4year old daughter i live in fear of something more happening i highly doubt this is any scam ive known the person who lives in the house that had returned from vaction for 8 years if not more let me tell you this .... this is the first time something like this has hit home and it is very very scary i only hope justice and be served !!

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 2:49 PM Just little old me wrote ...

Who cares about a stupid comment.There are 2 dead bodies!!!! did you forget.I always wonder why people are so simple minded when it comes to stuff like this.Now there is a killer out there and they need to be caught before they kill again or was this a SUICIDE or a INSURANCE SCAM ????You never no what to expect we just cant rule stop out yet

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 1:51 PM MS wrote ...

So where are all the smart comments about crime only only on the west side. It's everywhere. In another story a woman can't even go grocery shopping while it's light out without having her purse stolen. Hate to see how bad things are really going to get.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 1:50 PM Amy wrote ...

OMGosh...welcome home? I think I would turn right back around & go back to my vacation spot for at least a couple of weeks!

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