Howells was a playwright and director in 1997. He was last seen on the Rancho Canada Golf Course in Carmel Valley, California on June 17, 1997. He has never been heard from again. Howells's tan Honda was found parked in the course's lot during the morning following his disappearance. His wallet, credit cards, identification and golf bag were inside the vehicle, as was the manuscript of his latest play, Lazurus. Howells's golf cart and clubs were discovered on the 13th tee of the course. A search of the area yielded no clues as to his whereabouts.

Howells was married to actress/playwright Sherry Glaser in 1997. A photo of Glaser is posted below this case summary. (Note: Several media outlets spell Glaser's last name "Glazer"). Glaser told the media that she believed her husband may have staged his disappearance. She stated that Howells may have been envious of her success in the entertainment industry and sought an escape for himself, possibly by suicide. Howells and Glaser often wrote plays together; Glaser acted in the productions while Howells occasionally directed. The reviews of the couple's work usually focused on Glaser's contributions while ignoring Howells's accomplishments. Glaser also said that her husband was often the caregiver for their two young daughters while she worked in the theater, and he was unhappy with this arrangement. Prior to his disappearance, Howells stated he showed Lazarus to an agent who liked it, but Glaser subsequently discovered he had not actually talked to the agent.

Howells and Glaser were residing in Carmel Valley in 1997 while she performed her one-woman show, Oh My Goddess. They moved to the area from Mendocino County, California. Several of Howells's friends said that they believed other factors were at work in Howells's disappearance. It is not known if Howells left of his own accord or if he was the victim of foul play.

Glaser said that Howells had been depressed prior to his disappearance. Howells's condition may have been connected to the death of Glaser's father, who died of cancer shortly before he vanished. Glaser said that Howells gained weight and seemed to "indulge" himself prior to disappearing, drinking beer and smoking marijuana. She stated that she visited psychics for help regarding her husband's case and that she was told he was alive. Glaser continues to believe that suicide is also a possibility in his disappearance. There is little evidence available in his case, which remains unsolved.

Above: Glaser, circa 1997