Killer Dennis Bowman Timeline

Dennis Lee Bowman Timeline

• March 14, 1949 Born at 368 Shonat St. Muskegon, Michigan, USA 49442     
• 1961- Age 12 Started collecting bladed weapons. Admitted.
• 1964 – Age 15 Orchard View High School Muskegon, MI
• 1965 – Age 16 Orchard View High School Muskegon, MI
• 1966 – Age 17 Orchard View High School Muskegon, MI
• 1967 – Age 18    Orchard View High School
• Late 1960’s                Bowman had trouble with the law. Unknown crimes. 
• In 1960’s Bowman sexually assaults his own sisters. (Hearsay) 
• 1968 Bowman met Brenda a year before he joined the service.
• Feb. 28, 1969 Age 19 Recruit to the United States Navy*
• April 30, 1969 Training at Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL, USA (Transfer)*
• Dec. 8, 1969 Class P School Great Lakes, IL (Transfer)*
• Dec. 22, 1969 Student Transient while in the U.S.N. (Transfer)*
• 1970 – 1977                    Raped three women while stationed in the Navy in San Diego. Once before he was married to Brenda and twice after. (Admitted)
• July 1, 1970 VC-3 NAS North Island, San Diego, CA Of rate: FA*
• 1970 Commenced Tour of Shore Duty Great Lakes, IL*
• July ? 1970 Patient at Naval Hospital San Diego, CA*
• Sept. 15, 1970 Shelley Speet Mills Killed (Potential Victim)
• 1971 March Age 21 Dennis Bowman marries Brenda Engweiler in Muskegon, Michigan.
• 1971 (6 months)             Dennis was stationed in San Diego. Brenda lived there with him on base.
• Feb. 17, 1971 VC-3 NAS North Island, San Diego, CA Of rate: SN*
• August 6, 1971 Navdevtracen San Diego, CA Student*
• 1971                               Dennis and Brenda moved to Norfolk, Virginia. His choice to be stationed there.
• 1971 Bowmans applied for adoption.
• July 13, 1972 Age 23 Brenda’s Mother and Stepfather married in Norfolk, VA
• Nov. 28, 1972 USS Vulcan (AR-5) Lantflt, Norva Discharged*
• June 23, 1974 Age 25 Alexis Miranda Badger (Aundria Bowman) is born.
• Jan. 1975 Alexis is placed in foster care. 
• March 1976 Age 27 Alexis adopted by Bowmans in VA named Aundria Michelle Bowman 
• July 10, 1976 USS Vulcan (AR-5) Lantflt, Norva (Transfer)*
• Aug 20, 1976 Student at PNSY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire (Transfer)
• Sept. 30, 1976 USS Vulcan (AR-5) Lantflt, Norva (Transfer)*
• 1969 – 1977 Bowman was in the United States Navy 
• Late 1970’s Bowmans moved back to Michigan.
• Late 1970’s Bowmans live with Brenda’s parents at 523 Butternut Dr. Lot 276 Holland, MI 49424
• 1977 – 1980 He was in the Navy Reserve and went back and forth to Virginia and California.
  • Bowman participated in annual two-week active drills in VA.
• July 23-26 1977 Deborah Lynn Polinsky stabbed to death at age 20. (Potential subject.)
  • 15123 New Holland St. Holland, MI 3.7 miles from Dennis home at 523 Butternut Dr. Lot 276 Holland, MI 49424
  • Deb was tortured, beaten, sexually assaulted, stabbed to death.

• Nov. 21, 1977 USS San Onofre (ARD-30) at San Diego, CA (Transfer)*
• Nov. 23, 1977 Age 29 Discharged from the United States Army*

• Sun. Oct. 1979          Bowman raped a 27 year old Holland woman. (Admitted)
  • Bound, gagged, raped. “Did bad things to her.” 
  • She lived down the road from Bowman in Holland
• Late 1970’s Potential Attempted Abduction of Male.
  • Man was hitchhiking and picked u p by Bowman..
  • Bowman didn’t bring him where he asked to go. Told him we are going to get married.
  • The man punched Bowman a couple times and ran out of the truck into the field and got away. 
• 1970-1980?                 Sexually assaulted a Hamilton, MI woman. (Admitted) 
• May 23, 1980 Age 32 Bowman attacked Karen Age 18 (Convicted)
  • Lakeshore Dr. near Kirk Park, Holland MI
  • Shot near her foot, intent to rape in woods.

• Sept. 1980 The U.S.N confirmed Bowman was in Virginia for a two-week drill.
• September 9, 1980 Kathleen Doyle Murdered by Bowman Age 25 (Convicted)
  • 9432 Granby St. Norfolk, VA 
  • Kathleen was tortured, strangled, beat, raped, bound and gagged in a brutal overkill. 
• September 11, 1980   Kathleen Doyle’s body was found. 
• September 16, 1980   Missed court in Grand Haven, MI. Bowman was in VA, his attorney said.

• Feb. 2, 1981 Sentenced 5 yr to 10 yr for Karen attack. Alexis is 6.  
• Feb 1981- Feb. 1986 Bowman incarcerated at Kinross Correctional Facility in Kincheloe, MI
• Early 1980’s Brenda and Alexis move to Kincheloe, Michigan to be near the prison.
• 1980’s Alexis attends school in Rudyard, MI. Brenda takes her to the prison.
• Jan. 31, 1986  Age 37 Bowman is paroled from prison.
• 1986       Bowman’s move to Holland, Michigan. Alexis is 11. 
• 1886 They are living at 4249 Lincoln Rd Holland, Michigan 49423.
• Dec. 1987 Age 39 Vaness Joy Bowman is born. 
• Unknown Date:             Bowman Rapes a Hamilton woman. (Admitted)
• 1988 Bowman hit Alexis in the face so hard she fell back in her chair.
• 1988 Witnesses said Alexis’ feet looked burned with skin peeling.
  • Alexis was starving and asking for food from friends.
  • A witness said the kitchen cabinets were locked.
  • Alexis fed ketchup sandwiches while Bowman’s ate burgers.
• Sept 1988 Age 40 A witness saw Bowman screaming and chasing Alexis in the yard.
• 1989? Witness said Alexis got on the bus with blood dripping from her hand.
• 1989 Alexis goes to Brenda for help and tells her Dennis has molested her.
  • Brenda responds, “That’s a lie and you know it.”  
• 1989 Alexis tells friend Dennis is molesting her and Brenda Bowman doesn’t care.
• 1989 Alexis tells her school Bowman is molesting/ abusing her. 
• Mar. 11, 1989 Age 40  Alexis Miranda Badger (Aundria) murdered Age 14. (Convicted)
  • Bowman testified he hit her, she fell down the stairs, and broke her neck. He hid her body and reported her as a runaway.
  • Bowman killed her at 4249 Lincoln Rd. Holland, MI 49423.
• March 13, 1989 Bowman dismembered Alexis’ body and buried her.
• 1989 Bowman moves and reburies Alexis’s body at the Hamilton address.
• June 1989 8-year-old girl Kidnapped in Holland, Michigan. (Never Convicted) 
• Sept 22, 1989 6-year-old kidnapped and assaulted by Bowman. 
  • Bowman takes her from a gas station and drives her 18 miles to Silver Creek Park six blocks from his home.
  • He brought her into the woods and stripped her, bound, gagged and sexually assaulted her. 
• 1989 – Age 40 (1989 – 2020) Residence 3210 136th Ave. Hamilton, MI 49419
• 1990 – 1999 Bowman attends Christ Memorial Church
• 1991 – 1993 Bowman attends Muskegon Community College. 
• 1990’s Bowman attends Lake Superior University.
• 1992 – Age 43 (1992) Census record. 1st residence 4249 Lincoln Rd. Holland, MI 49423
  • 2nd residence 523 Butternut Dr. Lot 276 Holland, MI 49424
  • 3rd residence 3210 136th Ave. Hamilton, MI 49419
• 1997 Bowman works at Accutech Components Inc.
• 1997 – 1999 Bowman works for Richwood Industries who bought Accutech.
  • 2200 Oak Industrial Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49505
  • Wood Machinist in Special Machining Department  
• 1993- 1999 Bowman is Sunday School Teacher at Christ Memorial Church 

• 1997 Bowman is the Vice President of PTO at Bentheim Elementary
• 1997 Brenda is a Girl Scout leader. Years?
• 1997 Bowman is a member of a Christian Motorcycle Club
• 1997 Bowman resigns as VP Bentheim Elem PTO.
• Oct. 11, 1997 B&E/ theft of Vicki Age 28. (Convicted)
  • Stalking and B & E, theft of lingerie. Broke in about 20 times.
  • Cut her blinds in her bedroom. Stalked her for months.
• 1997 ? Bowman worked at Tiara Yachts (S-2) .
• June 5, 1998 Age 50  Charged for Vicki B&E 

• July 8, 1998 Assessment interview for Bowman’ mental health.
• 1999                           Bowman’s file for bankruptcy. 
• April 13, 1999 Bowman writes Judge George Corsiglia
  • He states he resigned his position as VP of the PTO but that he still volunteers at schools through our W.I.S.H. program.

• May 7, 1999 Sentencing for Vicki B&E 1 yr served and 60M probation or 6M?
• June 7, 2003 Age 55 Michelle Amy Lokker goes missing from Fennville, MI Age 29
  • Her car found at 121st/ 46th St Allegan, County 
  • 15 miles from Bowman home. Her clothes were found in the river.

• 2007 – Age 58 Residence 3210 136th Ave. Hamilton, MI 49419
• 2011 – Age 62 Residence 3210 136th Ave. Hamilton, MI 49419
• 2014 – Age 65 Residence 3210 136th Ave. Hamilton, MI 49419
• Nov. 22, 2019 Age 71 Bowman was arrested for Doyle murder.
• Feb. 4, 2020 Alexis’ body is found buried at the Bowman home in Hamilton.   
• Feb. 7, 2020 Bowman was extradited to Norkfolk, Virginia.
• Feb. 8, 2020 Bowman requested to talk to Detective Smith.
• May. 15, 2020 Bowman was charged for Alexis murder. 
• June 2020 Bowman pleads guilty for Alexis’ death.
• June 10, 2020 Bowman gets 2 life sentences +  20 years for Kathleen Doyle’s murder.
• Dec 21, 2021 Bowman was convicted of 2nd degree murder of Alexis.
• Dec. 21, 2021 Bowman sentenced 35 to 50 years for Alexis Miranda Badger’s death.
• Feb. 17, 2022 Bowman transferred to Nottoway Correctional Center in Burkeville, Va.

• After Bowman was arrested he confessed to another sexual assault in Hamilton, Michigan. He also confessed to three sexual assaults in San Diego while he was stationed there in the Navy. Once before he married Brenda and twice after. Not sure of dates, they are added in timeline but want to make note here to clarify that info. 
• Bowman told cell inmates that he killed two women in different states and a male in Michigan. 

Sentences with * at the end are from his navy record card. Not sure if he was in the location at those dates. These dates are usually when a transfer occurred. 

Bowman’s Military Record

Dennis Bowman:

Bowman had Sandy brown/ reddish hair. He wore glasses sometimes. He usually had a mustache and a beard at times. He was 5’9” feet tall. His build was slender when he was younger and became chubbier with age. 

Senior photo 1967 age 18. 

Freshman photo: Age 15

Bowman age 30’s.

Bowman age 50: Mugshot from when he stalked his coworker. Aka Hack and Scratch. 

Dennis Bowman’s Victims:

Victim: Young Male Picked up by Bowman

A young college student was hitchhiking in Allegan County. The young man had long wavy hair and a thin build. Dennis picked him up in a car. The man felt uneasy. When they got to his stop he told Dennis you can stop this is my stop. Dennis said, No, we are going to a wooded area by the lake and we are going to get married. The man freaked out, pulled the shift and it stalled the car. He punched Dennis in the face a couple times and jumped out the car and ran into a field. After the car left the man came out of the field. He said he never saw the man again until he saw the Into the Fire documentary and when he saw younger pictures of Bowman he knew it was him. 

Source: Behind the Verdict on Youtube

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Victim: 27 year old Holland woman raped by Bowman in October 1979. (Bowman Admitted)

Bowman admitted to raping a 27 year old Holland woman in 1979. He bound and gagged her, then assaulted and raped her.  He lived down the road from the woman at the time. He was living in Leisure Estates in Holland with Brenda’s mother and stepfather. He said in his confession that he “did bad things to her.” He also stole money from the woman. It is noted that there had been recent reports of prowlers in that neighborhood during that time. He was never charged with this crime due to Michigan’s statute of limitations. 

Sources:

The Holland Sentinel.

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Victim: Karen she was 18 years old when she was attacked in May 1980. Bowman was sentenced 5 to 10 years and served 5 years. (Convicted)

On May 23, 1980 Karen was riding her bike down Lakeshore Drive on the northside of Holland, Michigan when Dennis ran her off the road with his motorcycle. He told Karen to get in the woods. When she didn’t move he shot a gun towards her that went past her. He told her if she didn’t get into the woods he would blow a hole through her. She didn’t move and he shot towards her this time near her foot. A truck came by and distracted Bowman and she ran to the road, waved the truck down, threw her bike in the back and went to call 911. The cops picked up Bowman and arrested him that day. In court he said “I told her to go into the woods, which was next to the road, with the intent of having forced sexual relations with her.” He was sentenced 5 to 10 years for this crime and was out after 5 years.
While he was out on bond for this crime he went to Virginia and brutally murdered Kathleen Doyle.  

Court testimony from victim:

Source: Holland Sentinel.

Justice for Aundria M Bowman facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAundriaMBowman/

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Victim: Kathleen Doyle at age 25 brutally murdered and in September of 1980. Bowman was sentenced 2 life sentences plus twenty years. (Convicted)

On September 11, 1980 Kathleen Doyle’s body was found naked in her bedroom stabbed and strangled to death in her Norfolk, Virginia home. She had been brutally murdered. She was beat, stabbed, strangled, bound, gagged, raped, and tortured. She was last seen September 9 and was believed to be killed that night. She had cords wrapped around her neck. The mouthpiece from the telephone was missing. All the lights were on and the door was opened when knocked on by her friend. There was a rolling pin found near the body. 

Bowman had gained entry through a window in a spare bedroom. He said he was drunk and going to rob her. Her home is right next door to a church that Bowman may have attended. Her husband and father were also in the United States Navy and out on tour when the murder happened.

I want to also note that Dennis was stalking Doyle. He didn’t just come upon her house like he lies about. He had a photo of a store that was near her house in a “treasure box.” He also had Lincoln logs in his box which is what he burned her cheek with. He also cut the blinds in her home to spy on her so he was in the home before the attack and this was well planned out. Also to note Doyle lived next to a church so he may have attended the church next to her home.

Bowman’s semen left at the scene on the bedspread is what tied Bowman to the crime in 2019. Through parabon and a genetic search Bowman matched the semen found at the scene. He confessed to this murder and is serving two life sentences plus twenty years. 

Sources: Unsolved: Catching Kathleen’s Killer by Kevin Romm and Jane Alvarez-Wertz

https://www.wavy.com/news/investigative/unsolved-catching-kathleens-killer/

Court paperwork Dennis Bowman: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/99/aa/26fca91348a48c77134a45f84c6f/court-paperwork-cw-vs.%20Dennis%20Lee%20Bowman.pdf

Find Aundria M Bowman facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAundriaMBowman/

The Monstrous Case Of Dennis Bowman

Stayawake – Crime and Psychology

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Victim: Aundria Bowman (Alexis) Murdered at age 14 in March of 1989. Bowman was sentenced 35 to 50 years in prison. (Convicted)

Alexis Miranda Badger (Aundria Bowman (adopted name)) was killed at age 14 years old on March 11, 1989 by her adopted father Dennis Bowman. She had recently told authorities that Dennis was sexually assaulting her. Dennis said he came home to her having broken into his locked bedroom. Dennis said that they got into a fight and he hit her, she staggered backwards and she fell down the stairs of their home in Holland, Michigan head first breaking her neck. He said, “She made a hell of a noise going down the stairs.” She was moaning at the bottom of the stairs. He hid her body in his barn by covering her with a tarp and called police to report her as a runaway. He dismembered her body and buried her. He then dug her up and reburied her at the Hamilton residence as soon as they signed papers to buy the hamilton property in 1989. He confessed to her murder in 2019 while in custody for killing Kathleen Doyle. He told his wife over the phone about where Alexis’s body was by saying, “So near, so far, right under your nose.” Applying that she was right in their backyard. Alexis’ body was found on Feb. 5, 2020. For ten years Alexis’s biological mother Cathy and others told police that Bowman did something to Alexis. He was charged with her murder on December 21, 2021.

Bowman admitted how he disposed of Alexis’ body: He burned her clothing and her bag. He tried to use a machete to cut her legs but it wasn’t sharp enough. He said he never cleaned the machete and stored it under his bed. He used the machete for other purposes over the years, he said. He used a single blade axe to chop her legs off. He dismembered her body and put them into separate bags that also had baby diapers and trash in them. He then put her in a cardboard barrel and buried her. He put a slab of cement over the burial.

Alexis’ remains were found in a trash bin along with dirty diapers and trash. She had been dismembered with an axe, the second pic is of the Bowman’s backyard : 

Sources: Find Aundria M Bowman facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAundriaMBowman/

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/

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An 8 year old was kidnapped and then thrown out of the vehicle. She believes it was Bowman who took her. (Never Convicted)

In June of 1989 an 8-year-old girl was kidnapped near Van Raalte Elementary School. She was driven about 6 blocks before she was thrown out of the vehicle by Bowman. She was kicking and screaming and causing attention to the vehicle which he didn’t like. He was driving a gray sports car. The kidnap took place around 3 pm.

The man was described as a white man in his late 20’s early 30’s with short blonde hair. The man asked her about an address which she didn’t know he got out of the vehicle and shoved her into the vehicle and drove away.

Van Raalte Elementary address is 461 Van Raalte Holland, Michigan 49423. This kidnapping is about 3 1/2 miles from where he would then abduct a 6-year-old girl less than a month later. He kidnapped the 6-year-old across the street from an elementary school and around the same timeframe about 3:30pm.

After the documentary Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter aired on Netflix the victim saw Dennis Bowman and knew that was the man that took her over thirty years ago.

Sources:

The Holland Sentinel.

The woman who was abducted.

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Victim: 6-year-old kidnapped and sexually assaulted by Bowman. She wore this sweater on the day he took her. 

On Friday, September 22, 1989 at 4pm Bowman kidnapped a 6 year old girl in Holland, Michigan. The little girl was walking to a friend’s house which was two blocks up the road. Bowman was parked at a gas station called Windmill Gas Station. He watched her as she passed his truck (rusty, faded red pickup truck with a white cab on the back.) He then drove near a sidewalk she was about to take. He got out of his truck and began shouting and waving to her. He was pointing to the back of his truck telling her he had puppies. She walked a couple steps towards him and he grabbed her and put her in his truck. He lied to the victim and told her that her mother said he could take her to see puppies. He asked her if she had an older sister and what her name was. He made her lay down as they passed a police officer and began stroking her hair. Bowman drove to Silver Creek Campground which is 18 miles from where he kidnapped her and a couple blocks from his new property and grave of his adopted daughter Alexis. He had killed Alexis six months prior. He pulled alongside the road just past the campground sign. He then forcefully pulled her out of the truck and dragged her into the woods. He tied her sweater around her mouth. He threw all her clothes everywhere. He tied her hands behind her back with a rope. He kneeled between her legs and inserted his fingers into her vagina. Dogs nearby began barking and he jumped up and left the girl in the woods and sped away in his truck. Dennis worked down the road at a marina during the time of this kidnapping and drove the same kind of truck described by the little girl. Police believe Bowman committed this crime. Dennis will never be charged with this crime because of Michigan’s statute of limitations.    

Windmill gas station where the six year old was abducted and the truck Bowman drove:

The sketch of the kidnapper and Dennis Bowman in 1980:

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Victim: Vicki was stalked by Bowman in 1997 and he broke into her home multiple times when she was 28. (Bowman was sentenced to one year served and probation.)

Vicki (Stalked Victim)

Bowman began stalking his coworker Vicki in 1997. He broke into her home multiple times, broke her window, door, cut the blinds in her bedroom window. He got caught by the police after cameras were set up. Dennis admitted to taking her lingerie. He said he broke in to use the bathroom. He mentioned in court that he brought his daughter Vanessa to Vicki’s to sell cookies before. The police searched his home and in an outbuilding on Bowman’s property they found a duffle bag called, “Your Basic Bag.” In the bag contained all the evidence listed below including guns, a mask, black clothing, a binocular case full of Vicki’s lingerie, scarves and ribbons. Bowman got one year in prison which was time served and probation. 

Evidence at Bowman’s home in an outbuilding that was seized after the 1997 B&E at Vicki’s home.

Dennis’s home and Vicki’s home:

Sources: Find Aundria M Bowman facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAundriaMBowman/

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Method of killing:

Bowman’s victims are usually naked. Clothes are thrown everywhere. Lights are usually left on at the homes where he attacks at night. He disables the telephone in the victim’s home. He usually hits them on the head with something. He usually bound and gagged his victims. He sexually assaults them. He usually tortures his victims. He uses different items to strangle his victims. He usually attacks women in their home at night when they are alone. There are no signs of break in and usually he doesn’t leave fingerprints.. He usually gets in through an unlocked window. He never leaves the murder weapon and uses unusual tools to do the stabbing. The door to the home seems to be slightly left open. He always wears dark clothing. He steals at some locations or takes items to remember his violent sexual crime. These items are called his treasures. He has had evidence of crimes in photo albums in his home.

Doyle Murder: She was found naked in her bedroom on the floor. Her hands were bound behind her back. She was gagged by blue pantiehoes. An electric cord was wrapped around her neck. She had a stab wound to her left chest where the blade impaled her rib. Semen was on her genital area. Autopsy showed signs of sexual abuse. There were punching and blunt force injuries to the face, mouth, kicking to the stomach. She was also stabbed in the back. The official term of her death was that she died from homicidal causes and that it was from, “Mechanical asphyxia by strangulation and stab wounds with internal hemorrhage.” She had a burn mark on her cheek from a lincoln log that he brought to her home. He stalks his victims. He had a picture in a photo album of a store near Doyle’s home. He also had Lincoln logs in his home. 

He also cuts blinds in his victims’ homes to stalk them. He did this in Vicki’s home and Doyle’s home.

He blames a demon in him that he has to control. Sometimes it gets out. 

When talking about killing Doyle Bowman said he stabbed her right under her left breast with a “pen knife.”

The mouth to the telephone had been removed and was missing. A rolling pin was found near Doyle’s body. No latent fingerprints were recovered. The door to the home opened when someone knocked on it. The mattress was moved from its normal position. Doyle was on the floor with her bedspread underneath her which also had semen on it. The room looked like a struggle occurred. 

Bowman bragged of having 115 bladed weapons. He slept with a bloody machete under his bed that he cut Alexis up with. He kept locks on kitchen cupboards, sheds, and bedrooms. He would nail shut his secret treasure box that held items from victims homes. 

He changes his demeanor on the drop of a hat. He is never to blame for his crimes. He always makes it seem like it’s their own fault when he murders them.

Dennis had a “treasure box,” it was in a locked outbuilding. In a locked trunk, inside a box that was nailed shut. Inside was a photo of the store Doyle frequented. Also were Lincoln logs which he burned Doyle with. There were other objects too which the public doesn’t know at this time.

Police do not believe Doyle is his first murder.

Alexis’s body was buried 3 feet deep in barrel, trash on top of her, cement slabs on top of that.

Bowman said that he was told by a prison psychologist that the only way to keep a secret is to keep it to yourself. He is a coward.

This is the photo Dennis drew of the demon that is inside of him. 

Occupations: 

Truck Driver? At some point in his life Bowman drove a semi truck. Not known dates and places yet. He worked at Macatawa Yacht in the 80’s.  Tiara Yacht at some point. Accutech Components Inc, and Richwood Industries in the 90’s as a wood machinist. Macatawa Bay yacht club.  He was in the Navy Stationed in multiple states like California, New Hampshire, and Virginia he was in other states too. I’m not sure about oversea’s locations but I believe he was abroad too. He was also trying to become an EMT but was denied.

Weapons:

Bowman punches, kicks and strangles his victims. He uses items to bind and gag them like sweaters, panty hoes, ropes, and electric cords. He bound and gagged and tied the victim’s hands behind their back. He has used a marble rolling pin to hit a victim. He has used items like Lincoln Logs to torture victims and burn the ends and put in to the victim’s cheek. He usually dismantles phones so victims can’t call out for help. 

He started collecting bladed weapons since the age of 12. He usually attacks from behind and either stabs them or hits them with objects. He has used a “pen knife” as he called to stab victims. He had a machete he kept under his bed that he never cleaned after trying to dismember his adopted daughter. He also used a single blade axe. 

He doesn’t leave fingerprints behind. He rips the victims clothes off and throws them everywhere. He never leaves the murder weapons behind. He used dark clothing. He used a gun to attack a woman in 1980. 

He had a to go bad with the logo “Your Basic Bag.” Inside contained that was found 1997 when stalking a victim. 

• Iver Johnson’s arms and cycle works 12 gauge shotgun with a 12 ½ barrel, champion model, with a wooden stock, black electric tape. There was a black band securing the front stock. No serial number’s on the gun.
• Remington Peter’s Brand 12 gauge 3” Mag 00. Buckshot cartridge green in color.
• Black mask with mesh.
• Binocular case contained items inside. Lingerie, scarves, and ribbons. 

Disposing of body:

He dismembered body with machete, that didn’t work he then used a single blade axe. He put her body parts in different trash bags along with dirty diapers and trash. He put her in a cardboard barrel. He buried her 3 feet underground in his backyard. He put cement slabs on top of the burial site.

Letter of Character 

Letter of character references for Judge Corsiglia in response to Dennis Bowman’s sentencing for his B&E, stalking, theft crime of Vicki:

Friend of Bowman:

Letter from a friend of Brenda and Bowman said she knew him for 5 ½ years. Daughter was in girl scouts with Vanessa. Dennis Sunday school teacher. VP of Benetheim PTO. Member of Christian Motorcycle Club. Her oldest child babysits Vanessa. Her youngest child stays overnight. 

Christ Church Memorial Adult Discipleship William Boersma:

William knew Dennis for 9 years which 6 of the years he taught kindergarten Sunday School. 

Rick Start Bowman’s boss:

Bowman was a Wood Machinist in charge of the Special Machining Department at Richwood Industries. Rick Start, the President of Rickwood Industries, wrote to the judge to plead not to incarcerate Bowman. 

Letter from Bowman to the judge:

Bowmans letter to the judge mentions that he says he’s still going to volunteer for school activities under “our” W.I.S.H program.  

Letter from Bowman’s father-in-law Charles Posthumus:

Letter from his counselor Lawrence Phelan:

Letter from the accomplice herself Brenda Bowman who enabled his monstrous behavior:

Source: Find Aundria M Bowman facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAundriaMBowman/

2021 court of appeals 

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Potential Victims

Note: Dennis Bowman needs to be ruled out in some of the unsolved Heritage Hill murders that occurred in the 70’s. He also needs to be ruled out in some of the unsolved murders of the women of Grand Rapids and Ottawa County in the 90’. 

I’ll be adding names soon. 

Shelley Speet Mills (Murder case unsolved)

Shelley Speet Mills was only 19 years old when she was murdered on September 15, 1970. She was killed in the early morning at her residence at 314 College Ave NE Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was married for only 17 days to Bill Mills who had just left that morning for work. She was born in Holland, Michigan and had just graduated from Holland High School. She was a water skier in the Thrill Water Show in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was also in the military academy. She was found by her mother on the kitchen floor. She had been stabbed to death. Shelley had 32 stab wounds. Her autopsy is described as an overkill. She had been stabbed in the back about 4 inches deep. She was stabbed in the chest and had 30 stab wounds in her neck which almost decapitated her. Most of the stab wounds were about 1 to 1 3/4 inches deep. She also had blunt force trauma to her face, as if she was punched in the face. She fought off her assailant and had wounds from the knife on her hand. It took many minutes for her to die. She eventually died from blood  loss. Her clothes were around her and her shirt was pushed up above her neck. She wasn’t raped but her tampon was dangling on the oven door so this might have been why she wasn’t raped. The weapon was a pocket or paring knife. The door was deadbolted and the door was left ajar. DNA samples were taken from the scene. They took blood samples, fingernail scraping, and hair specimens from Shelley’s hands and fingers. 

Some similarities were that the victims’ clothes were thrown about. Bowman usually throws his victims clothes in a rage. The door was partially ajar which is how the door was left in Doyle’s murder. Bowman’s victims are usually bound and gagged but in this case the victim fought back so this murder or another woman may have fought back so maybe that’s why he started tying his victims up. The knife is described as a pocket or paring knife. Bowman said he carried a pen knife with him when he broke into Doyle’s murder. She was a newlywed just like Doyle. Bill Mills mentioned that the curtains they had were see through. Bowman was known to stalk his victims and watch them through their windows. I also want to mention that burglary wasn’t the intent here as money was left in her purse. Expensive wedding gifts were left in the home too. Items were left at Doyles home too and expensive jewelry was left. Doyle was also stabbed in the chest so the autopsy and exact location may need to be looked at in both murders. Both murders were described as an OVERKILL.

I wonder if Shelley’s phone was tampered with at all as that is another thing Bowman does but maybe that’s something he started later as his killings evolved. Did one of his victims get to the phone? I also want to note that Deb Polinsky has shallow stab wounds as well and was found in very similar circumstances. I also want to make notice that Bill Mills was from Muskegon although he was older than Bowman. The doctor was asked if he has seen other similar autopsies to Shelley’s murder and he mentioned that yes, some of the women that died in the 90’s in Grand Rapids seemed similar. I want to note that Bowman worked in Grand Rapids in the 90’ when these murders were taking place. Shelley was also from Holland, Michigan where Bowman lived. She was in the military academy so not sure of the extent of that and if she crossed paths with Bowman because of that.She was married at Third Reformed Church in Holland. Not sure what church Bowman attended at that time but know he attended many churches in the area. 

SOURCES: Dr. David Schock spent many years working on Shelley’s case. Here is a link to his website where you can purchase the documentary he put together: http://www.delayedjustice.com/?page_id=1255

Swan Song – Heritage Hills Murders by Lauren McCarthy podcast. 

Kathy Sue Wilcox (Endangered Missing)

Kathy Wilcox went missing at age 15 after walking away from her Otsego, Michigan home. She was last seen on July 12, 1972. Otsego is 30 miles from Holland, MI.

At the time of her disappearance her father and stepfather did not approve of her dating an 18 year old. Kathy’s stepmother slapped her across the face and Kathy stormed out of the home never to be seen again.

She was 5′4′’ and weighed 130 pounds. She had shoulder-length brown hair and hazel eyes. Her index finger has a hooked fingernail. Kathy was wearing a purple shirt and blue jeans. She is a caucasian female. Kathy has healed fractures in her legs. She also broke her toes but these injuries may not show in an X-ray. 

Dennis may have been in Virginia for military service at this time. Brenda’s mother and stepfather were in Norfolk, VA getting married on July 13, 1972. Dennis may have been left home alone at this time too. (Not sure that’s why I put this timeline together.)

Anyone with information should contact the Otsego Police Department at 269-692-6111

Sources: The Doe Network 

https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1367dfmi.html

The Charley Project

https://charleyproject.org/case/kathy-sue-wilcox

Deborah Lynn Polinsky  (Murdered case unsolved)

Deb was just 20 years old when she was found naked and stabbed to death in her home on July 26, 1977. The local paper called her murder a sex slaying. Deb was stabbed about 5 times in the chest, one of which caused her death. She appeared to be sexually assaulted before she was slain. She had multiple bruises on her body so may have been beaten before her death. She looked to have been tortured because she had multiple superficial stab wounds on parts of her body. There was also blunt force trauma to her head. She was found in her bedroom and there was a struggle in the room. No weapon was found at the scene. The object to stab Polinksy had not been determined. (Bowman was a wood machinist with lots of tools) 

The door to the home was slightly ajar upon her coworker’s arrival. Deb lived alone in Holland, Michigan with her dog Thor. Thor was a german shepard that was protective and aggressive so its believed Deb may have let the killer into the home. 

Deb was working 2nd shift at Depree Chemical Company and she went to Holland Public Schools. She drove a red Volkswagen Beetle. Her address was 15123 New Holland St. Holland, Mi 49423.

There was a bloody fingerprint at the scene as well as some women’s dna. Would like to remind that Bowman has brought his daughter to other victims homes to sell cookies as stated by Dennis Bowman himself.

Dennis Bowman lived at the Holland address with Brenda’s mother and stepfather during this time. His home is 4.8 miles from Deb’s. 

Anyone with information about Deb Polinsky’s death please contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s office at 616-738-4022 or send a message through mosotips.com.

Map from Deb’s home to where Dennis Bowman lived at the time of her death: 

News article about Deb’s murder:

Sources: Already Gone: Episode 81 Deborah Polinsky

By Nina

https://m.soundcloud.com/podcastdetroit/already-gone-episode-81-deborah-polinsky?in=podcastdetroit%2Fsets%2Falready-gone&utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

YouTube: 1977  Deborah Lynn Polinsky – 1964 James A. McQueary Jr & John E. Hundley Cunningham

By Gray Hughes Investigates

Holland Sentinel

Debra Lynn Wilson (Murdered)

Debra Lynn Wilson was 30 years old when she was killed on December 23, 1987 at 4159 144th Ave. Holland, MI 49423. She was last seen that evening around 8 pm. She had been found around 100 feet from her home fully clothed. She was “viciously,” stabbed in the neck and her throat was slashed by a sharp instrument. The weapon was some type of sharp instrument or a knife. The weapon wasn’t found. 

Her body was found by her husband Rocky who came home at 5:00 am after a work party. Rocky was part owner of a body shop Wilson’s Paint and Body. He also worked at Sintered Metal Shop. Debra worked as a forklift driver at Haworth. The Wilson’s had been married five years and had no children. When he couldn’t find her he called over his father who found her outside of the home around 5:30 am. 

Every single light was left on in the house. The sliding door that led to the backyard was open. There was no forced entry and no robbery had occurred, no sexual assault either. 

David Oudemolen was a suspect in her murder, he had some suspicious photos, he died before he could actually be charged, but police have closed this case and believe Oudemolen killed her. I’m not convinced. 

Debra Lynn Wilson lived right around the corner from Deborah Lynn Polinsky although Polinsky had been killed about a decade before Wilson.

Sources:

Grand Rapids Press

Delayed Justice Website. Dr. David Smock

http://www.delayedjustice.com/?p=88

Tamara Jo Radecki

Tamara Jo Radecki was a 43 year old Muskegon woman who was found dead in the road near 130th and Wilson Rd in Ottawa County near Fruitport, Michigan. She was killed on November 2, 1989. She was repeatedly stabbed to death which is what caused her death. She was stabbed in the chest and abdomen. She was last seen at a Muskegon bar called Town Tavern Bar on Sherman Blvd in Muskegon around 2:40 am. She was found about 3 hours later and 22 minutes away from the bar. Nobody knows why she would be in that area and she was supposed to meet a friend at 3am. 

It appeared she got out of a different vehicle, ran about 80 feet where she collapsed and died. A trail of blood was left behind her. Although it also says it was raining and when she was found her body was dry. The car she borrowed was found about 10 miles from her body locked with the dome light on on Farr Rd. 

Where Tamara’s body was found which was near Bowman’s parents home:

Sources:

Delayed Justice website created by Dr. David Smock

http://www.delayedjustice.com/?p=4978

Articles from the Muskegon Chronicle

Brittney Ann Beers Endangered Missing

Brittney went missing at age 6 on September 16, 1997. She was outside at her apartments called Village Manor Apartments in Sturgis, Michigan. She went to ride her bicycle at about 7:30pm. At 8:30 pm her mother left to run errands and saw Brittney riding her bike. About five minutes later Brtitney’s brother saw her sitting on a bench. Shortly after that a witness saw her talking to a man shortly before she disappeared. They gave a description of the man and car he was driving. It is not known for sure if this man took Brittney though. The man is described as in his late twenties or early thirties with short dark hair and a thick mustache and was driving either a mid-sized red car or a brown Renault.

Her mother returned at 9:05pm and asked her brother to go find her sister. When they couldn’t locate her they called the police. 

Brittney is caucasian with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was missing four of her upper baby teeth at the time of her disappearance. She was 4 feet, 45 pounds. She was wearing a white tank top or t-shirt with a floral design, pink tie-dyed shorts and white sneakers with a pink design on the sides. Her shoelaces had a red stripe down the center.

Dennis would have been 48 at this time and there is another suspect in this case. Brittney was also being sexually assaulted in her home. Her siblings were taken from the home after reports of physical and sexual abuse and put into foster care in 1998. 

We know Dennis Bowman was prowling in 1997 as he stalked Vicki during that time. We also know that Dennis kidnaps 6 year old girls. It is also a straight shot to his home from her home. 

Map from Dennis Bowman home to the location of were Brittney Beers disappeared:

The picture on the left of the suspect was described by the 6-year-old to show how he looked when he went about kidnapping people. The middle photo is Dennis Bowman’s 1980 mugshot. The right photo is the suspect description of the man Brittney was talking to before she disappeared. 

Anyong with info regarding the disappearance of Brittney Beers please contact Sturgis Police Department at 269-651-3231

Sources: The Doe Network

https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1893dfmi.html

Michelle Amy Lokker (Missing)

At age 29 on June 7, 2003 Michelle went missing. She was last seen in the Fennville, Michigan area but lived in Holland, Michigan. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed about 115 lbs at time of disappearance. Her date of birth is December 4, 1973. 

She may have worked at Great Lakes Pizza in Holland, Michigan as a delivery driver. Address 317 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423. 

Her clothing was found not far from her vehicle near the Kalamazoo river. Her vehicle was found in the area of 121st Avenue and 46th Street in Hamilton which is 14.9 miles from Bowman’s home.    

Caucasian female with brown hair, green eyes. She has scars on her left breast from a piercing and biopsies. Her ears are pierced. Lokker has a circular brand on her right hip. She wears contact lenses. Info from Charley Project. She was living at the 200 block of Fairbanks Ave at the time of her disappearance. There isn’t much information about Michelle unfortunately. 

Anyone with information about this case please call Allegan County Sheriff’s Office at 269-673-0500.

Map from where Michelle’s car was found to Dennis Bowman’s home. 

Sources: The Charley Project

https://charleyproject.org/case/michelle-amy-lokker

Teen Jogger Stalked (possible victim)

A 15 year old was jogging on May 31, 2016. At around 2:30 pm on 104th and Riley between Holland and Zeeland a man in a grey sedan (a car Bowman was known to own) was smiling and laughing at her. He pulled into a driveway up the road from her and waved to her to come towards him. She turned around and ran away. He started to follow her. She then turned back again and called her parents to come get her. 

The man is described as white, 50 to 60 years old, with a shaved head and possibly some missing teeth. He was driving an early 2000 grey sedan with tinted windows.

Bowman was a suspect in this case as well.

Grapids Rapids MLive news.

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2016/06/teen_jogger_approached_by_man_1.html

Virginia Beach Slayings Potential Victims?

Update: I have reached out to the Virginia Beach Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit and Dennis Bowman has been eliminated as a person of interest in all of these cases. I am going to leave these women here so they can be remembered and just in case things change. 

In the 70’s Dennis Bowman was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia while he served in the Navy. We know Bowman brutally overkilled Kathleen Doyle in 1980. There seemed to be a serial killer in Virginia Beach during the time Bowman was stationed in Virginia. All women who were stabbed and strangled to death. Many women are still missing from the area too. Virginia beach is about 25 minutes from where Bowman was stationed in Norfolk, VA. Click on the names to learn more info. 

Beverly Christensen (Murdered)

On June 23, 1974 the body of 24 year old Beverly Christensen was found in her home in Virginia Beach, VA. She was found strangled and stabbed to death. 

Judy Ann Sylvester (Missing)

Judy was last seen January 24, 1977 in Virginia Beach, VA. She was 22 years old when she went missing. She is caucasian, 5’1” and 110 lbs. She frequently rode her bike around town. She worked at a restaurant in town and didn’t show up to work. 

Barbara Jean Monaco (Missing)

18 year old Barbara Monaco disappeared while vacationing in Virginia Beach on August 23, 1978. She is caucasian, 5’4” and 110 lbs. Her sister and her went to the Country Comfort Bar on Pacific Ave where a man was seen pestering her to go with him. She was supposed to meet a date at the Peabody bar but she never arrived. 

Marcia Estelle Remick (Missing)

Marcia went missing at age 17 on June 9, 1979 from Virginia Beach, VA. She was caucasian 5’3” and 110 lbs at the time of her disappearance. She has brown hair, green eyes and a mole near her elbow. She told her roommate she was meeting a friend on the oceanfront and was never seen again. She frequently hitch hiked. 

Alice Margaret Eskew (Murdered)

On September 6, 1979 18 year old Alice Eskew’s body was found in a densely wooded area. She had been strangled, she had blunt force trauma to her head and she was beaten to death. She was caucasian with dark eyes and blonde hair. She was 5’,1” and about 80lbs. 

The map below shows where Alice disappeared from on Artic Ave near her home, where her body was located in the woods in First Landing State Park and where the naval base was located. 

Brenda Joi Bancroft (Murdered)

On Friday, December 28, 1979, Brenda’s body was found in her car stuffed upside-down under the passenger-side dashboard, her legs resting on the seat. She had been strangled. Her body was found in her car near her apartment. She was last seen December 24, 1979 at a restaurant called Admiral Nicks. The restaurant was near the navy base called Little Creek-Fort Story Joint Expeditionary Base. 

Patsy Bray Cowan (Murdered)

On Thursday, October 9, 1980 Patsy was found in her home in Virginia Beach, VA nude and stabbed to death. She was 50 years old at the time of her death but looked much younger. There was no forced entry into the home. A handgun was missing from the home and is described as a Smith and Wesson “top break, lemon squeeze,” nick plated .38 caliber revolver. 

Ropes were tied to the bed in the master bedroom where the stabbing occurred. There was blood from the floor to the ceiling. The telephone had been ripped from the mounting. There was a struggle throughout the house from the kitchen, through the living room, bedroom and bathroom where her body was found propped against a wall. The murderer had given her a couple stab wounds and then watched her die. 

Patsy had been raped on September 27, 1980 only a few days before her brutal murder. She had been woken up at 2:45am to find a man pulling the sheets off the bed. He hit her several times in the face and tried to choke her. He raped her and then fled the home in a dark colored van. It is not known if the same man came back and killed her. 

The prep was standing outside her bedroom smoking several Salem cigarettes before the attack. 

For all of these cases call the Virginia Beach Police Department at 757-385-4141 if you have any information.

Sources:

Virginia Cold Case Database

https://coldcase.vsp.virginia.gov/

Vehicles

I would also like to mention that Bowman had access to many different vehicles through family. As he mentioned they would borrow different cars to “search” for Alexis so that she wouldn’t know it was them. Therefore he would use different cars to do his deeds because he knew people were looking for the vehicles he abducted other victims in.

Bowman vehicles.  1989 He was driving a gray sports car. 1996 Buick Skylark. 1992 Buick Century and 1995 Buick Century from Progressive.com

The vehicle he tried to take the 8 year old in in 1989 was described as a gray sports car.

Looks like a silver sedan type of car in driveway 2015. (Google Maps)

Motorcycle with a homemade wooden black box on the back of it.

1964 Ford truck owned by Bowman that he bought from Brenda’s family. (This truck looks like the truck described by the abducted 6 year old but it was older, rusty, and faded. Bowman left his vehicles outside as a google map image shows a similar looking truck sitting outside.) 

2009 Large pickup truck sitting on property. (Google Maps)

This was a truck Bowman had on his property in a google map search. He left his cars outside in the sun so that explains the faded look to some of his vehicles.

Bowman Family History

Dennis Lee Bowman born March 14, 1949 368 Shonat St. Muskegon, MI 49442

Wife: Brenda Joy Engweiler

B: March 9, 1951 Muskegon, MI

Dennis Father: Clyde Dennis Bowman

B: Sept. 3, 1916 Huntington, Indiana, USA

D: Oct. 2, 1996 Muskegon, MI USA (80yrs)

Dennis Mother: Pauline Louise Davenport

B: May 7, 1918 Wabash, Indiana, USA

D: Dec. 22, 2005 Muskegon, MI, USA (87 yrs)

COD: Long Illness

Mother never told Bowman he loved him, he said. 

Siblings:

Patricia Ann Bowman – Watts

B: Nov. 15, 1937 Huntington, Indiana, USA

D: Nov. 5, 2006 Muskegon, MI, USA (68 yrs)

COD: 

Constance Louise Bowman

B: Dec. 19, 1938 Huntington, Indiana, USA

D: Dec. 24, 1938 Huntington, Indiana, USA (6 Days old)

COD: Gastroenteritis

Claudia Jean Bowman – Karel

B: Dec. 22, 1947 Muskegon, Michigan, USA

D: Sept. 18, 2002 Muskegon, Michigan, USA (Age 54)

COD:

Bowman has three living sisters and a brother too.

Brenda Family

Father: Henry Eugene Engweiler

B: Dec. 12, 1929 Halstad, Kanasa, USA

D: May 26, 2021 Rothbury, Michigan, USA

Mother: Alice Joy Sherwood

B: Jan. 8, 1930 Ferry, Michigan

D: Feb. 2, 2020 Holland, Michigan, USA

Step-father: Charles Posthumus

Charles and Alice lived in Leisure Estates. Dennis and Brenda lived with them in the 70’s.

Address: 523 Butternut Dr. Lot 276 Holland, MI 49424 years at address 1975 – 2020 source online. May have lived there before 1975. 

https://m.soundcloud.com/podcastdetroit/already-gone-episode-81-deborah-polinsky?in=podcastdetroit%2Fsets%2Falready-gone&utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

Where Bowman Grew Up 

Dennis Bowman’s was born at 368 Shonat St. Muskegon, Michigan 49442. His parents lived in that home for decades. I want to take note of all the buildings that were within walking distance for Bowman. A senior housing center, library, Muskegon Community College, Baker College of Muskegon, Village at the Oaks (another senior housing) and Glen Oaks Apartments. Dennis’s parents home is the red dot.

This is the home Bowman grew up in. 368 Shonat St Muskegon, MI 49442. They had the home since it was built in 1945 until the end of 2005 when Pauline died in it, his mother. I believe they owned that home from when it was built in 1945 until his mother died in the home in Dec. 2005. Home went to the bank in 2006. Then its was owned for 14 years by American Residential Equities until 2021. At least 3 owners have bought and sold the property since then. (Google Maps)

Aerial view of the property in 2011. (Google Earth)

If you have any information to add to the timeline, vehicles he drove, any dates, occupations, residences, anything please email me at mettapaige@gmail.com. 

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