Local News

Bowers Arrest on Murder Charge in Connections with his Wife's Death

Nov 23, 2019

On Wednesday, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s office arrested 37-year-old Lance Bowers on First Degree Murder charges in connection with the death of his wife Angela Bowers.

The investigation began after Aeneas Valley fire district #16 responded to a vehicle fire on Frosty Creek Rd, Tonasket, on June 3, 2019. Firefighters extinguished the fire and discovered a burned human remains in the trunk of the vehicle. Okanogan County Sheriff Tony Hawley said the remains were burnt beyond recognition.

That same day, Sgt Tait Everett and Deputy Isiah Holloway contacted Lance Bowers at the Aeneas Valley Store. Hawley said, during that contact, Bowers did not comply with orders and displayed his firearm. He said both Everett and Holloway fired their weapons and Bowers was shot. Deputies administered first aid and summoned Lifeline to assist in treating his injuries. Bowers was transported to Central Washington Hospital via helicopter, where he was treated and later released to law enforcement.

He was booked into Chelan County Regional Jail and later transferred to Okanogan County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

The Okanogan County Coroner’s office ordered an autopsy be conducted in an effort to determine the identity of the victim and cause/manner of death. After the autopsy, the results were still inconclusive for the identity; however the victim was determined to be a female.

DNA evidence was sent to the Washington State Patrol crime laboratory for scientific examination. Coroner Rodriguez has issued a death certificate in connection with this Homicide investigation identifying the victim as Angela M. Bowers. She has also been listed as a missing person since June 17, 2019.

On Wednesday, Bowers, who had remained in custody in Okanogan County Jail on firearms possession charges since June, was arrested for First Degree Murder and Second Degree Arson. He is currently being held on $1.5 million bail.