The name Colin Howell resonates with one of the most notorious criminal cases in Northern Ireland’s modern history. A seemingly ordinary dentist, Howell led a secret double life that would shock his community and the world when the truth finally emerged. His story combines deceit, betrayal, and premeditated murder, making it a case that continues to fascinate true crime enthusiasts and legal scholars alike.
Who Is Colin Howell?
Colin David Howell was born on 14 March 1959 in Northern Ireland. Outwardly, he appeared to be a respectable dentist and a devoted family man. He was deeply involved in his local church and enjoyed the trust of his community. However, beneath this veneer of normality lurked a darker side, hidden from colleagues, friends, and even his own family.
Howell’s life took a shocking turn when his illicit relationship with another woman, Hazel Buchanan, developed into a twisted scheme that culminated in murder. For nearly two decades, he successfully deceived everyone around him, until his carefully constructed façade began to crumble.
The Murders: A Deceptive Plan
The Victims
In May 1991, two lives were brutally cut short. The victims were Lesley Howell, Colin’s wife, and Trevor Buchanan, the husband of Howell’s lover, Hazel. Both were in their early thirties, and both were unsuspecting of the horrific fate awaiting them.
The Method
Colin Howell devised a meticulously planned murder. He poisoned both victims using carbon monoxide, ensuring their deaths could be staged as a suicide pact. Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan were found dead in a car filled with exhaust fumes in a garage in Castlerock, County Londonderry. At the time, authorities accepted the deaths as a tragic double suicide, largely because of the careful planning that concealed any overt signs of foul play.
The Motivation
The primary motivation behind the murders was Howell’s affair with Hazel Buchanan. By eliminating their spouses, Howell and Hazel hoped to free themselves from their marital obligations and pursue a life together. The plan was disturbingly cold-blooded, demonstrating both premeditation and a willingness to manipulate those closest to them.
The Deception: How He Evaded Justice
Living a Lie
For nearly 18 years, Colin Howell managed to live a normal life, continuing his dental practice and maintaining a positive reputation within his community. He attended church regularly and portrayed himself as a man of faith and integrity, all while concealing the horrific crimes he had committed.
Psychological Manipulation
Howell’s ability to deceive extended beyond practical measures. He manipulated the emotions of those around him, including Hazel, by fostering a narrative of secrecy and shared responsibility. This psychological manipulation ensured that the truth remained buried for nearly two decades, highlighting the sinister intelligence behind his crimes.
The Confession: Unraveling the Truth
Breaking Point
The carefully maintained secrecy eventually collapsed in 2009. Howell confessed his crimes to church elders, a decision that marked the beginning of the end for his freedom. The confession was spurred by a mix of guilt, psychological strain, and religious counsel, which prompted him to confront the reality of his actions.
Legal Proceedings
Following his confession, Howell was arrested and charged with double murder. The legal proceedings were swift, given the overwhelming evidence provided by his own admission. In November 2010, he pleaded guilty to the murders of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years before being eligible for parole.
Hazel Buchanan’s Role
Hazel Buchanan, later known as Hazel Stewart, was also convicted for her role in the murders. She received a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years. The court found that both individuals had actively conspired in the murders, underscoring the premeditated and collaborative nature of the crimes.
Beyond the Murders: Additional Crimes
Colin Howell’s criminal record extends beyond the double murder. Investigations revealed that he had sexually assaulted female dental patients who were under sedation during procedures. These assaults, which spanned several years, exposed the deeply troubling and predatory aspects of Howell’s character.
His ability to commit crimes over an extended period without detection highlighted failures in both regulatory oversight and societal assumptions about trustworthiness. Howell’s story serves as a chilling reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and evil can lurk behind even the most ordinary façades.
The Media and Cultural Impact
Books and Documentaries
The Colin Howell case captured the attention of writers and filmmakers alike. The book Let This Be Our Secret delves deeply into the murders, exploring both the factual details and the psychological dynamics of the perpetrators. The case was also adapted into a television miniseries titled The Secret, which brought the chilling narrative to a wider audience.
Public Fascination
Public interest in the case remains strong due to the combination of deceit, betrayal, and the seemingly ordinary background of Howell. People are often drawn to true crime stories that reveal the dark complexities hidden beneath normal lives, and Howell’s story fits this pattern perfectly.
Lessons Learned
The case has become a point of discussion in fields ranging from criminal psychology to ethics. It demonstrates the lengths to which individuals can go to satisfy personal desires while concealing wrongdoing. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness in both personal and professional contexts.
The Psychology of Colin Howell
Understanding the psychology behind Howell’s actions is essential to grasping the full gravity of the case. His behaviour reflects a combination of narcissism, manipulativeness, and calculated risk-taking. Howell exhibited traits often associated with psychopathy, including a lack of empathy for his victims, superficial charm, and an ability to deceive others convincingly.
His meticulous planning and ability to evade suspicion indicate high levels of cognitive functioning, but these were applied in the service of horrific crimes. Psychologists studying the case often emphasise the importance of recognising such traits early, particularly in positions of trust and authority.
Legacy and Continuing Relevance
The Colin Howell case continues to resonate for multiple reasons. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of deception, the consequences of unchecked desire, and the fragility of trust within personal relationships. For law enforcement and legal professionals, it highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the need to question assumptions, even in cases that appear straightforward.
Moreover, Howell’s story has contributed to broader discussions on morality, criminal psychology, and the societal structures that enable individuals to commit crimes unnoticed for extended periods. It is a case study in human behaviour, illustrating both the potential for darkness and the eventual triumph of justice, even after many years.
Conclusion
Colin Howell’s life and crimes are a chilling testament to the duality of human nature. On the surface, he was a respected dentist and community member, but beneath that exterior lay a man capable of calculated murder and long-term deception. The murders of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan, and the subsequent revelations about Howell’s other offences, shocked Northern Ireland and left an indelible mark on the field of criminal study.
Today, Colin Howell remains imprisoned, serving a sentence that reflects the gravity of his actions. His story is remembered not only for its shocking details but also for the lessons it imparts about vigilance, morality, and the complex interplay between human desire and criminal behaviour. The legacy of the case ensures that the name Colin Howell will remain synonymous with one of Northern Ireland’s most infamous crimes, studied and remembered for generations to come.
