David Dowler
David Dowler | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Albert Dowler 1953 (age 70–71) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Conviction(s) | Murder |
| Criminal penalty | Life imprisonment |
| Details | |
| Victims | 3 (one conviction) |
Span of crimes | 1983–1987 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Texas |
Date apprehended | August 20, 1987 |
| Imprisoned at | Clements Unit |
David Albert Dowler (born 1953)[1] is an American serial killer who poisoned three acquaintances in Odessa, Texas with chloroform and cyanide between 1983 and 1987. Convicted of a single murder, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1988.[2]
Early life
David Dowler was born in 1953 in
Murders
On August 16, 1983, the 26-year-old Lisa Krieg was found dead in her home. During the subsequent autopsy performed on the body, it was discovered that she had been suffering from
On February 12, 1986, the 28-year-old Casillas' body was found at his home in Odessa. Like with Krieg years earlier, cyanide was found in his body, as well as small traces of poppers, which were usually used for muscle relaxation.[4] Unable to determine the exact cause of death, Casillas' body was preserved for extra testing. On June 29, 1987, the 29-year-old Leza Chandler was found dead at her home by her friend Kerri Dawn Middleton, who was visiting from Midland. The autopsy determined that she had died from acute chloroform poisoning, likely in a homicidal manner.[6] They investigated her past, discovering that Chandler and several friends, among whom was Dowler, often gathered at her house and inhaled chloroform so they could talk about their problems in a relaxed state. After hearing rumors that she may have had an affair with David, officers were sent in to question him, leading to his eventual arrest for Chandler's death.[7]
Trial and imprisonment
In September 1987, Dowler was indicted for the death of Leza Chandler, in addition to being charged with carrying two illegal sound suppressors, with a bail bond set at $100,000. While they were gathering evidence to build a case against the accused poisoner,[7] authorities also investigated the suspicious deaths of three acquaintances of Dowler's, among whom was 29-year-old Kathy Hicks, who collapsed at an arts and crafts show held in the Ector County Coliseum in 1986.[8] The arrest came as a shock to both his family members and relatives, whom outwardly expressed their disagreement that David was a murderer, claiming that he was a gentle soul who wouldn't even hurt a fly and that he was likely framed.[9] On December 30, 1987, Dowler was officially indicted for Casillas' and Krieg's deaths by the grand jury.[10] Hicks' deaths was later determined to be caused by heart problems, and thus unrelated to the other deaths.[4]
At the trial, detectives testified at a pretrial hearing that they had located two empty bottles of chloroform in two-pint bottles while searching through Dowler's West Louisiana Street residence.[6] Dowler's defense attorney, Thomas Hirsch, queried about what exact evidence the prosecution had that their client had poisoned Chandler, to which Det. Mickey Brown replied that there was none aside from what was presented already.[11] According to Hirsch, the chemicals found at the Dowler residence was used to make fireworks, and instead, that it was likely Chandler's ex-husband, Kyle, who had killed her. Pat Carter, who worked from time to time in David's shop, also testified that while he had seen friends use chloroform, he had never seen Dowler himself administer it to anyone. On the prosecution's side, Dr. Juan Garcia, a psychiatrist, testified that Mr. Chandler only suffered from depression and was not a violent individual, and Tim Krieg, who until then had remained silent on the matters, testified about Dowler's calls following his ex-wife's death.[5] On January 28, 1988, David Dowler was found guilty in the murder of Leza Chandler, and sentenced to life imprisonment with a chance of parole. At the end of the trial, District Attorney Eric Augesen called him a vicious murderer and a cruel manipulator who liked control and to snuff out human life.[2] Dowler remains behind bars, and his next parole hearing is scheduled for December 2022.
See also
References
- ^ "Dowler's TDCJ information".
- ^ a b "Chloroform killing draws life sentence". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. January 28, 1988.
- ^ a b c Janine Ehlinger (September 9, 1987). "Family, friends support Dowler, Page 2". Odessa American.
- ^ a b c Kevin Tridwell (January 19, 1988). "Dowler trial today, Page 2". Odessa American.
- ^ a b c Kevin Tridwell (January 26, 1988). "Defense rests case in Dowler trial, Page 2". Odessa American.
- ^ a b Kevin Tridwell (January 19, 1988). "Dowler trial today, Page 1". Odessa American.
- ^ a b Holden Lewis (November 8, 1987). "Authorities Work To Assemble Murder Cases Against Seemingly Harmless Man". Associated Press.
- ^ William Tracy Cowie (September 9, 1987). "Dowler gets murder charge". Odessa American.
- ^ Janine Ehlinger (September 9, 1987). "Family, friends support Dowler, Page 1". Odessa American.
- ^ John Conway (December 31, 1987). "Dowler indicted in 2 other deaths". Odessa American.
- ^ Kevin Tridwell (January 26, 1988). "Defense rests case in Dowler trial, Page 1". Odessa American.