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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- May 13, 2019
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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A murder defendant’s newly appointed defense attorney told a judge May 13 that she received evidence from her client’s previous attorney. The attorney requested a later trial date.
Mark Bowser is charged with first-degree murder while armed and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for allegedly stabbing 39-year-old Tracy Womack on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE in 2014.
As a result of the counsel change, Bowser, 39, is now slated to go to trial on April 20, 2020. Bowser was originally scheduled to begin his trial on May 13.
According to DC Courts, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman dismissed Bowser’s previous attorney, Jason Tulley, and appointed defense attorney Betty Ballester on April 11. Apparently, Tulley had a conflict of interest.
During the status hearing, Ballester also rejected a potential plea agreement from the prosecution. According to Ballester, the prosecutor said she would possibly extend a plea offer that would include second-degree murder while armed.
Court documents state that Bowser allegedly entered Womack’s apartment as she was sleeping and attacked her. Police found Womack with her pants pulled down, suffering from more than 40 stab wounds.
Bowser is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on April 3, 2020.