Stabbing Defendant’s Release Revoked 

By Adriana Marroquin - September 10, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt revoked a stabbing defendant’s release following reports of multiple violations of court imposed conditions in a hearing on Sept. 10.

Dennis Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 24 on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During a Sept. 6 hearing, Judge Brandt issued a bench warrant due to Bowler’s failure to appear in court and a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) that stated he was accused of tampering with his GPS monitoring device. 

During that hearing, the prosecution also alerted the court that a witness had told them they saw Bowler chasing the victim, for whom he has a stay away and no contact order, in an alleyway while stating the victim “deserved to get stabbed.” 

On Sept. 9, Jason Clark, Bowler’s defense attorney, requested he be released back to the community, arguing that if he remains detained for a long period of time he will lose the housing he recently acquired. 

However, the prosecution insisted his inability to comply with release conditions and the safety of the community demonstrate the need to detain him as he awaits further proceedings. 

“This is quite unfortunate,” Judge Brandt told the parties, stating she had given Bowler a chance, despite the prosecution’s objection. “The court believed at the time, and still does now, that his drug dependence plays a role in his actions,” she added. 

Due to his noncompliance, Judge Brandt ordered he be detained. 

The prosecution requested Judge Brandt order mental health assessments for Bowler, stating that a neighbor alerted them of a conversation with Bowler, in which he raised multiple mental health concerns. 

However, Clark stated he didn’t believe the assessments were necessary at this point, but will request them if he deems them necessary at a later time. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 7.