Colin Howell: The Shocking Rise and Dark Fall of a Trusted Dentist
A powerful true-crime account of faith, deception, and the making of a Northern Irish convicted double murderer
Introduction
Colin Howell is a name that evokes both trust and terror. Once respected as a professional dentist and a devout church figure, he later became known as a Northern Irish convicted double murderer, responsible for one of the most disturbing crimes in modern Northern Irish history. His life story is not only about crime, but about contradiction—how outward respectability masked calculated brutality.
This article presents a fact-based, and biography of Colin Howell.
Quick Bio: Colin Howell
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Colin David Howell |
| Date of Birth | 14 March 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Portadown, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British (Northern Irish) |
| Profession | Dentist (former), Lay preacher |
| Known For | Northern Irish convicted double murderer |
| Religion | Christian (Baptist) |
| Spouse | Lesley Clarke (deceased), Kyle Jorgensen |
| Children | Nine |
| Criminal Status | Life imprisonment |
Early Life and Background
Colin Howell was born on 14 March 1959 in Portadown, Northern Ireland. He grew up in a society deeply shaped by religion and community ties, where reputation and moral standing carried great weight. From early adulthood, Howell aligned himself closely with Christian values and church involvement.
As a young man, Howell pursued a professional career that required discipline, education, and trust. His outward life suggested stability, ambition, and moral grounding. These early impressions later played a significant role in how his crimes went undetected for nearly two decades.
Education and Professional Formation
Colin Howell trained as a dentist and went on to establish himself professionally in Northern Ireland. Dentistry is a profession built on trust, care, and ethical responsibility, and Howell successfully embodied this image for many years.
Alongside his dental career, Howell became a lay preacher within the Baptist church. His religious involvement enhanced his standing in the community and reinforced the perception that he was a man of integrity and faith.
Marriage, Family, and Public Image
In July 1983, Colin Howell married Lesley Clarke. Together, they had four children and were active members of their church. To the outside world, they appeared to be a stable, religious family committed to shared values.
Later in life, Howell married Kyle Jorgensen, an American woman, with whom he had five additional children. In total, Howell fathered nine children. Despite his growing family, his personal life was marked by secrecy and moral contradiction.
A Hidden Affair and Moral Collapse
While publicly presenting himself as a devoted husband and Christian leader, Colin Howell engaged in an extramarital affair with Hazel Buchanan, a fellow church member. This relationship would become the catalyst for a devastating crime.
The affair exposed the widening gap between Howell’s public persona and private actions. What began as secrecy soon escalated into a calculated plan that would permanently alter multiple lives.
The Murders That Shocked Northern Ireland
In May 1991, Colin Howell murdered his wife Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan, the husband of his lover. Both victims were killed using carbon monoxide poisoning, a method chosen to simulate a suicide pact.
The bodies were discovered in a car in Castlerock, Northern Ireland. At the time, authorities concluded that the deaths were the result of a joint suicide. Howell’s careful staging and trusted reputation helped conceal the truth.
Years of Deception and Silence
For 18 years, Colin Howell lived freely while carrying the secret of his crimes. During this period, he continued his life, remarried, raised children, and maintained a public image that deflected suspicion.
This prolonged deception highlights the disturbing reality of how a Northern Irish convicted double murderer was able to avoid justice through manipulation, planning, and social trust.
Confession and Arrest
In 2009, Colin Howell confessed his crimes to church elders. This confession marked the beginning of the truth finally coming to light. Following this admission, he turned himself in to police authorities.
His confession reopened a cold case that had haunted the families of the victims for nearly two decades. It also exposed deep failures in initial investigative assumptions.
Trial and Conviction
In 2010, Colin Howell pleaded guilty to two counts of murder. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years, formally recognizing him as a Northern Irish convicted double murderer.
In 2011, Howell also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault against female dental patients. These additional convictions further dismantled the image he had built over decades.
Life in Prison
Colin Howell is incarcerated at Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland. His imprisonment reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the irreversible damage caused to his victims and their families.
While in prison, Howell has reportedly continued religious activities, though his credibility as a spiritual figure has been irrevocably destroyed by his actions.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The Howell case deeply shocked Northern Irish society. The contrast between his religious image and his crimes made the case particularly disturbing and widely discussed.
The story was later adapted into a television drama, further cementing its place in true-crime history. Media attention focused not only on the crime, but on how deception can thrive under the guise of respectability.
Legacy and Social Impact
Colin Howell’s legacy is one of caution and tragedy. His case serves as a reminder that outward morality does not guarantee inner integrity. Trust, once broken at this scale, leaves lasting scars.
As a Northern Irish convicted double murderer, Howell’s name is now permanently associated with betrayal, manipulation, and calculated violence. His story continues to influence discussions around crime, faith, and accountability.
Conclusion
Colin Howell’s life story is a stark illustration of how power, trust, and religious authority can be misused. His transformation from respected dentist to convicted murderer underscores the complexity of human behavior and the dangers of unquestioned trust.
By examining his life through verified facts alone, this article offers a clear, informative, and responsible account. It stands as both a warning and a lesson—one that continues to resonate in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Colin Howell?
Colin Howell is a former dentist and lay preacher who was convicted of murdering his wife and his lover’s husband in Northern Ireland.
Why is Colin Howell known as a Northern Irish convicted double murderer?
He was convicted of two murders committed in 1991, for which he received a life sentence.
How were the murders committed?
Both victims were killed using carbon monoxide poisoning, staged to appear as a suicide pact.
How long did the crime go undiscovered?
The murders remained undiscovered for 18 years until Howell confessed in 2009.
Is Colin Howell still in prison?
Yes, he is serving a life sentence in Maghaberry Prison, Northern Ireland.
