Tubtim “Sue” Howson and Benjamin Kable
A woman from Thailand accused of striking a Michigan State University (MSU) student with her car and leaving him to die has agreed to return to the United States to face charges. Tubtim “Sue” Howson, a 57-year-old resident of Michigan, allegedly hit 22-year-old Benjamin Kable with her 2016 white BMW 320i as he was walking home along Rochester Road in Oakland County, Michigan, on January 1, 2023, and fled the scene. Kable was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Two days after the incident, Howson purchased a one-way ticket from Detroit Metro Airport and left for Bangkok on January 5. When urged to turn herself in to the police by a friend she confided in, Howson allegedly refused, saying "No cops, no cops." She faces several felony charges, including interstate flight to avoid prosecution and failure to stop at a scene resulting in death.
Two days after the incident, Howson purchased a one-way ticket from Detroit Metro Airport and left for Bangkok on January 5. When urged to turn herself in to the police by a friend she confided in, Howson allegedly refused, saying "No cops, no cops." She faces several felony charges, including interstate flight to avoid prosecution and failure to stop at a scene resulting in death.
The US and Thailand have an extradition treaty, and Howson has agreed to return to the US to face charges. Preparations are underway for her to fly back to Michigan before Sunday, according to Thai deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn. "We did not arrest her," Hakparn said. "After she knew the facts, she showed the intention to accept the punishment in the US. This will be a good example for Thai society."
Howson has been living and working in Michigan with her family, including her two children, for more than two decades, according to Surachate. In an interview with a local news outlet, Howson claimed that she left for work at around 5:30-6:00 am on the day of the incident and did not expect anyone to be on the road at that time.
Kable, an electrical engineering senior at MSU, was the second youngest of six siblings. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing video games, and spending time with his loved ones.
Howson has been living and working in Michigan with her family, including her two children, for more than two decades, according to Surachate. In an interview with a local news outlet, Howson claimed that she left for work at around 5:30-6:00 am on the day of the incident and did not expect anyone to be on the road at that time.
Kable, an electrical engineering senior at MSU, was the second youngest of six siblings. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing video games, and spending time with his loved ones.
