On September 12, 2015, in Maplewood, Minnesota, 65-year-old Larry Kenston Bowser was fatally shot by his father, 90-year-old Kenneth Henry Bowser, following a dispute over television viewing preferences. The incident occurred in their shared residence on Hilltop Court, where they had lived together for over a decade. Neighbors noted that Larry had previously mentioned his father's deteriorating mental health, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
According to the criminal complaint, the altercation began when Larry entered his father's bedroom, requesting that they watch a football game together in the living room. Kenneth declined and asked his son to leave. When Larry returned later and began disconnecting the TV cables in the bedroom, Kenneth retrieved a pistol he kept under his pillow and fired a shot intended to scare his son. Tragically, the bullet struck Larry in the back, resulting in his death at the scene. Kenneth then called 911 to report the shooting and was arrested without incident.
Following his arrest, Kenneth was charged with second-degree murder. However, during court proceedings, he was found mentally incompetent to stand trial due to his cognitive impairments. As a result, the court referred him for civil commitment instead of pursuing a criminal trial.
Larry Bowser was remembered by friends and family for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. He was known to work in the Home Improvement Building at the Minnesota State Fair, selling carpeting and flooring. His funeral service was held on September 21, 2015, at Progressive Baptist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, followed by burial at Elmhurst Cemetery.
