Stabbing Defendant Released, Despite Probable Cause Finding

By Lily Engel - June 21, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt released a stabbing defendant as he awaits further proceedings, during a June 21 hearing. 

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

According to court documents, Bowler asked the victim if he had drugs and the victim said no, causing Bowler to ask him to leave. The victim then tried to retrieve a drug tablet in the apartment, which led to an altercation in which the victim allegedly hit Bowler in the head with a toilet tank cover. Bowler then allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times and the victim attempted to leave but the door was jammed. Eventually both left the apartment building. 

On June 18, Judge Brandt found that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence establishing probable cause the defendant may be the perpetrator. 

At the hearing, parties discussed whether or not to release the defendant as he awaits further proceedings.

Defense attorney Jason Clark laid out a release plan that included the defendant’s being released into a specialization unit at Pathways, which is a transitional employment program, and getting in contact with Veteran Affairs (VA) for mental health help, and finding new housing as the incident took place at his apartment. 

Additionally, Clark pointed out that Bowler has been compliant thus far with Pathways’ home visits. 

In response, the prosecution argued that Bowler was already receiving help from Pathways at the time of the incident and that did not stop it from occurring, citing his previous conviction in a non-fatal stabbing in 2018. 

The prosecution claimed that the circumstances involving the 2018 case and the current case are “disturbingly similar.” Both involved the victim being invited into the defendant’s home and getting stabbed over a “perceived slight.” 

Additionally, Bowler has had many misdemeanor cases and a few assault cases in the early 2000’s, according to the prosecution. They argued that no accommodations can be made to keep the community safe. 

In response, Judge Brandt said that Bowler’s prior criminal history has the common factor of alcohol, and she will not judge him based on convictions over the past 30 years. 

“This case is lukewarm,” Judge Brandt said, citing law enforcement’s lacking investigation in the past month.

Judge Brandt argued parties failed to provide sufficient information or evidence to help on her decision.

Ultimately, Judge Brandt decided that Bowler will be released on strict conditions, including complying with his Pathways mental health regimen, going to the VA for additional mental health programs, wearing a GPS ankle monitor, and checking in with the Specialized Supervision Treatment program (SST) at the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

Additionally, Bowler is ordered not to take drugs or drink alcohol.

Parties will meet again July 11 to ensure Bowler is following his release conditions.