Cordell Howze found guilty of homicide, arson in death of Cashay Henderson

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man accused of killing a transgender woman in Milwaukee was found guilty Monday, June 10.

The verdict was swift for a crime that happened more than 15 months ago on the city's north side. 

It took the 12 members of the jury one hour to deliberate. They found Cordell Howze guilty on all three of the counts he faced. 

"We, the jury, find the defendant, Cordell M. Howze, guilty of first degree intentional homicide."

The other counts included felony possession of a firearm, something a witness testified about, and arson. 

On Feb. 26, 2023, Howze shot Henderson twice in the head before lighting her and the apartment on fire. That's where Henderson's body was found that morning, at 29th and Villard. 

Investigators were able to determine that the fire was no accident. 

"We noticed that there was burn marks, irregular shaped burn marks that was in the carpet fibers and trailed toward the door of the apartment to exit into the hallway," said Milwaukee Police Detective Amy Stolowski.

During the trial, two other witnesses were called to the stand, both saying Howze told them he killed a transgender person. 

Howze entered a plea of not guilty by mental disease or defect, but he was denied. 

Howze's sentencing will take place Aug. 9.