Sherry Lynn Howard: Florida physician fatally chokes her elder sister, family says 'they were like two peas in a pod'
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA: A Florida realtor was allegedly choked to death by her younger sister leaving their family shocked as they recall the suspect and victim to be loving sisters. St Petersburg police said that on Tuesday, April 11, at approximately 3.26 pm, Charee Nichole Howard, 39, who is a licensed physician dialed 911 to inform them she had just "killed" her elder sister Sherry Lynn Howard and told them that she "choked" her.
Deborrah Howard, the sisters' aunt, said, "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," reported Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA.
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What was Charee's motive behind the murder?
Ashley Limardo, St Petersburg police spokesperson said the cause of death can be determined after they receive the medical examiner's report. Officers have not revealed any information relating to Charee's motive or reason that led up to murdering her elder sister.
"Officers responded to the incident location to discover the deceased victim laying on the floor just inside the front door. The victim appeared to have injuries consistent with the defendant’s statements," police said, reported Law and Crime.
'She needs more attention than just being in jail'
The Howard family believes that Charee's mental health issues may have led to the tragic incident. Michael Hobbs, older brother of the sisters, said, "They say she hadn’t slept for three or four days and started hallucinating whatever it is, I ain’t no doctor,” and added that Charee "needs more attention than just being in jail."
When the outlet asked Pinellas County Sheriff’s Sgt Amanda Sinni whether the defendant was being treated for any injury or if she had been under mental health hold, the sheriff said, "Due to HIPPA, her status will not be disclosed."
According to Sherry's LinkedIn page, she previously worked for Keller Williams until March 2023 and at the time of her death, she continued her work as an independent real estate agent. Talking about her late niece, Deborrah said, "She’s a good kid. I know she’s in heaven." The family described Sherry and Charee as sisters who were very close and since the death of their parents, the elder sister was like a mother figure to the defendant. "This is a sad, sad thing for us and a sad day," their brother said.