Woman accused of killing student in hit-and-run 'thought she had hit a deer'

16 February 2023 , 13:35

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Tubtim Howson claimed she thought she hit a dear

A woman who fled to Thailand after allegedly killing a student in a hit-and-run says she thought she hit a deer, it has emerged.

Tubtim Howson, 57, who is originally from Thailand but lives in Michigan, US, allegedly mowed down Michigan State University student Benjamin Kable, 22, on January 1 as he was walking along Rochester Road in Oakland County.

She was driving a white BMW just before dawn when the car struck him and was pronounced dead at the scene.

But just two days after the crash she bought a one-way ticket to Thailand and fled the country, according to US authorities.

Tubtim, who is known as "Sue", reportedly revealed to her friends she was involved in a deadly hit-and-run .

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They urged her to tell police about the incident. However, she allegedly replied "'No Cops, No Cops."

Tubtim "Sue" Howson fled to Thailand after a deadly hit-and-run (Uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Surachate Hakparn, Thai deputy police chief, revealed yesterday Tubtim would be returning to the US before the weekend to face charges, which include interstate flight to avoid prosecution and failure to stop at a scene resulting in death.

A state charge of failing to stop at a serious accident was filed on February 2 and a federal charge related to her flying out of the country was filed on February 6.

The police chief said they did not arrest the suspect but she knew she had to go back and face the charges.

She 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."

Tubtim spoke at a press conference where she claimed she thought she hit a deer.

Benjamin Kable was killed in the crash

She said: "I left home for work around 5.30am to 6am. It is the wintertime and it was very dark. There was usually nobody walking on the road there, except deer."

After being asked why she fled the country, she responded: "I did not think I would run away, but I was very shocked. I tried to call the police but my hands were shaking. I could not do anything."

Tubtim fled to Thailand on January 5 but she wasn't traced by police until January 12.

The FBI found her two days later in the western province of Ratchaburi, where they suggested she turn herself in.

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However, although Thailand and the US have an extradition treaty, if a suspect challenges an extradition order it must go through a Thai court, which can be extremely time consuming.

Marie Karam has organised a GoFundMe page which paid tribute to the student.

Benjamin, who was studying electrical engineering, loved hunting and fishing, according to his family.

It said: "'He was a gentle soul who you could always rely on and was always there if you needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to.

"If you ever needed a good laugh Benjamin was the person you would turn to."

So far $11,700 (£8,000) has been raised towards the $25,000 (£20,000) goal.

Liam Buckler