Dennison Bowen III, a 39-year-old African American man from Toledo, OH, tragically passed away on June 22, 2020. He was known for his dedication to his family and his work as a welder. Bowen was a lifelong member of St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church and was deeply loved by his children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends.
The circumstances surrounding his death were part of a dispute that escalated into a fatal shooting.
On the day of his death, Bowen and James Smith, 39, were involved in an altercation at the Ravine Park Village apartments in east Toledo. During the altercation, Bowen allegedly shot Smith, who was the son of Floyd Barton. In response, Barton, who was present at the scene, shot and killed Bowen. Barton was later indicted on murder charges for Bowen's death.
The case took a turn when Barton entered an Alford plea, not admitting guilt but acknowledging that the prosecution had enough evidence to convict him. He was sentenced to 4 to 6 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. The judge noted that the incident was a tragic example of the senseless gun violence plaguing the community.
The loss of Dennison Bowen III was deeply felt by his family and the community, and his memory continues to be cherished by those who knew him.
