close
close

Frederick man sentenced to 30 years in prison for arson and life in prison for murder


Frederick, MD – Byron Alton Bowie, Jr., 49, was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections for first-degree arson. The sentence, handed down by Frederick County District Court Judge Julia Martz-Fisher, came from a 2023 arson conviction that was a violation of Bowie's probation for a 1992 first-degree murder conviction. In addition, the court imposed a life sentence for the probation violation.

On November 24, 2023 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Frederick Police responded to a possible domestic incident at 2203 Waller House Court. Police were notified by a neighbor that a man had threatened to burn down the home and kill everyone inside. Firefighters soon arrived and found flames on the roof and through the windows. The defendant was seen on home surveillance video breaking into the home and was arrested near Whittier Drive at approximately 10:00 p.m. The victim's home sustained severe fire and smoke damage.

On August 1, Bowie pleaded guilty to first-degree arson in a binding plea.

  • Player wins $114K Fast Play jackpot in Burlington County

    TRENTON, NJ — A lucky player in Burlington County won $114,003 on Sunday, September 15 by purchasing a $5 Diamond Spectacular 5X ticket on the Fast Play Progressive game.

    The winning ticket, which paid 50% of the Fast Play progressive jackpot, was sold at the Quick Shop Food Market, 601 Beverly Rancocas Rd. in Willingboro.

    Fast Play Progressive tickets are available at retailers across New Jersey and allow players to find out instantly if they have won.

  • Aerial view of sunset over the bay in Wildwood, New Jersey
    Coastal Flood Warning issued for New Jersey as seasonal weather continues this week

    Today in New Jersey you'll experience partly sunny skies with a slight chance of rain. Temperatures will reach around 80°F, which is slightly warmer than the usual September highs, which average between 70°F and 75°F. Winds will be blowing out of the northeast at 5 to 10 mph, bringing a light breeze.

    At 20%, the probability of precipitation is relatively low. A few short showers are possible, but should not cause any major disruption.

    Cloud cover increases during the night, and there is a 30 percent chance of rain after 9 p.m. Temperatures drop to a cool 16 °C (62 °F), about the average low for this time of year.

    Late at night, particularly between 11pm and 2am, there may be patches of fog, so be careful when driving. Winds will remain light from the north at around 5mph. Rain falling tonight is likely to be light, with new rainfall amounts of less than 2.5mm expected.

    Friday looks a little cooler, with highs of 75°F, closer to seasonal averages. The sun will still make an appearance, although clouds will increase in the afternoon, bringing with them another 30% chance of rain, with new precipitation amounts also less than a tenth of an inch. Winds will continue to be from the northeast at around 10 mph, with gusts possible as high as 20 mph.

    A coastal flood warning is in effect until 3 p.m. Friday, specifically for areas such as Ocean and Southeastern Burlington County. Low-lying areas near the coast and tidal waterways can expect one to two feet of water above ground level, which could cause widespread roadway flooding.

    Some roads could become impassable and there is a chance of minor damage to vulnerable buildings. Flooding is expected to coincide with the high tide cycle on Friday morning and at least minor coastal flooding could continue into the weekend. If you are travelling or are in flood-prone areas, use extra caution and avoid driving through waters of unknown depth.

  • Wall Township Police Chief discusses department initiatives with high-level group
    Wall Township Police Chief discusses department initiatives with high-level group

    Wall Township, NJ - Police Chief Sean O'Halloran met with the senior citizen group Pride of Wall on Tuesday during their monthly meeting at City Hall. The meeting discussed upcoming initiatives and events in the Town, Police Department and Emergency Services Division.

    Emergency Medicine Coordinator Jackie Lauber also attended the meeting to discuss the history and evolution of Wall Township EMS. Lauber emphasized that Wall Township EMS now has 12 full-time emergency medical technicians and 20 part-time staff working around the clock.

    The meeting served as an information session for the seniors, explaining the community's key services and future plans.

You may also like...