How Could You? Hall of Shame-Aundria Michelle Bowman case-Child Death UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Hopkins, Michigan, adoptive father Dennis Lee Bowman, “is accused of murdering and mutilating the body of his 14-year-old adoptive daughter 31 years ago.

On March 11, 1989, 14-year-old Aundria Michelle Bowman was reported as a runaway from her Fillmore Township home. Law enforcement has spent the last three decades investigating and reviewing countless leads, a release from the Allegan County Prosecutor’s Office reads.

On Friday, May 15, County Prosecutor Myrene Koch said the girl’s adoptive father Dennis Lee Bowman was charged with her death.

“Its a long time coming but, you know, better late than never,” says Cathy Terkanian, Aundria’s biological mother.

In February, new information led detectives to find skeletal remains underneath cement in what deputies called a “shallow grave” at Dennis Bowman’s home in the 3000 block …in Hopkins, Mich.

After extensive medical and DNA testing by the WMED Forensic Pathology and Michigan State University Forensic Biology Laboratory, the remains were positively identified as belonging to Aundria.

Bowman faces charges of open murder, felony murder, first degree child abuse and mutilation of a body. If convicted, he faces life in prison. He will be extradited from Virginia to Michigan. He is currently being held in a Norfolk, Virginia jail facing charges in connection to the 1980 murder of a Norfolk woman.

Terkanian isnt done fighting. She plans to have the adoption annulled and to have her daughter buried properly.

“That’s when its done, that’s when I’ll be vindicated,” says Terkanian. “That’s when she’ll be vindicated.”

During a Friday press conference, Prosecutor Koch thanked law enforcement teams in both Michigan and Virginia for their work on the case.

“I also want to assure Aundria’s family and friends that even though this has been a very long road, this is the first step in seeking justice for her,” Koch said.

Terkanian wants her lost daughter to understand she never gave up on her.

“I never forgot her. I always loved her,” says Terkanian. “I always planned to find her. And she knows that.””

Man charged in 1989 murder of his adoptive daughter

[WZZM 13 5/15/2020]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update:“Prior to her disappearance she accused Bowman of sexually abusing her. She was listed as a runaway for many years following her disappearance.

In January 2020 Dennis confessed to Aundria’s murder while he was already in custody pending trial on charges of murder for the unrelated killing of 25-year-old Virginia woman Kathleen Doyle in 1980. ”

“Bowman has a lengthy criminal record that goes back to 1980 and includes assault, burglary, and sexual assault.

In 1980 he was convicted of sexual assault for attacking a 19-year-old woman on her bike.”

Michigan man, 71, charged with murdering his adoptive daughter, 14, and burying her in a shallow grave on his property in 1989 when she went missing after reporting him for sexual abuse
[Daily Mail 5/18/2020 by Marlene Lenthang]

Update 2:“Bowman was scheduled for a probable cause hearing at 1 p.m. Aug. 13, 2020.”

Dennis Bowman arraigned on murder charges in Allegan County court

[WWMT 8/7/2020 by Andrew Minegar]