HOLLAND (WTHC-AM/FM) — Allegan County Sheriff’s deputies, working with the Norfolk Police Homicide/Cold Case Section, NCIS, the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and Michigan State Police, jointly anounced the arrest of a 70-year-old Michigan man for the 1980 homicide of 25-year-old Kathleen Doyle.
Dennis Lee Bowman was arrested in Allegan County, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019.
Kathleen O’Brien Doyle was found brutally murdered in her Norfolk residence on Sept. 11, 1980. She was the daughter of a naval officer, and the wife of a U.S. Navy pilot who was deployed at the time of the homicide. Over the years, Norfolk Police detectives and NCIS agents have been unyielding in their efforts to bring Mrs. Doyle’s killer to justice.
Forensic evidence, and unrelenting commitment to the case, led to this case being solved, according to police..
“This 39-year-long investigation demonstrates the Norfolk Police Department’s commitment to pursue justice for victims and their families no matter how long it takes,” said Norfolk Chief of Police Larry Boone. “No victim is ever forgotten. I would like to recognize the women and men of NCIS for their commitment to this case. NCIS has been partnered with us from the beginning of this investigation, and their contributions throughout the years have been instrumental in solving this case. I would also like to thank the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Police, for their assistance.”
Bowman is awaiting extradition to Virginia from Michigan, where he is currently behind bars.
This cold case has led to some speculation as to whether Bowman may be responsible for the disappearance of a girl he and his wife adopted. Aundria M. Bowman was 14 when she disappeared from Hamilton Township. Her birth mother has looked for her extensively over two decades.
