HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston attorney has been charged with murdering his own son at the family’s Lake East Texas home.

Investigators say Michael Howard admitted to killing his son Mark Randall Howard, calling it a “horrible accident” and then burning his son’s body on the same property.

Michael Howard is in jail in Sabine County, about 170 miles from Houston. The 68-year-old is accused of murder and tampering with evidence.

According to investigators, he and his 20-year-old son, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, were at the family’s lake house in Sabine County over the weekend.

Officials said Michael called a deputy Monday and said he accidentally shot his own son Sunday night because he thought he was an intruder.

Investigators say Michael told them he took his son’s body and put it in the front bucket of a backhoe. Michael then reportedly placed Mark’s body on a pile of wood and set it on fire.

When officers arrived, they said Michael showed them the shotgun he allegedly used in the shooting the night before.

Deputies and Texas Rangers say Michael then led them to the woodpile, where they say they found charred body parts and bones.

According to the sheriff’s office, Michael’s bond was set at $10 million on each charge.

Eyewitness News reached out to Michael’s attorney but has not yet heard back.

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