Man, mother face charges of felony child abduction

A former Costa Mesa resident was arrested in Colorado with his 10-year-old son, who he allegedly took from his ex-wife, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.

Authorities found Murrell Michael Howell, 34, Monday in Colorado Springs with his mother and son, prosecutors said.

Howell, was arrested on a warrant charging him with felony child abduction, according to Deputy District Attorney Jim Bacin.

Howell’s mother, Mary Elizabeth Howell, 65, of Evergreen, Colo., faces the same charge, said Susan Schroeder, spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s Office.

Murrell Howell had visitation rights, but not custody of the boy. On June 4, he allegedly took his son and moved them to an apartment in Colorado with the help of Mary Elizabeth Howell, prosecutors said.

Both Howells are being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. Hearings for them have not yet been scheduled.

— Kelly Strodl