(From the Springfield Police Department)On April 17, 2025, the Springfield Police Department arrested Paul E. Bowles, 62, from Fulton, in connection to the 1989 rape and murder of Jennifer Williams, 18, from Springfield.
On Sept. 8, 1989, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Williams left work and was dropped off at her home at 710 N. Kansas Expressway. She told a friend she was going to walk to her husband's business but never arrived. Williams' husband reported her missing on Sept. 11, 1989.
On Sept. 20, 1989, three juveniles were walking in the 700 block of W. Chestnut Street and discovered Williams’ body. Evidence was located indicating Williams was sexually assaulted at the time of the murder.
In 2019, because of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, Williams' sexual assault kit was tested. The test revealed the DNA to be from a man, but it was insufficient for database searches. In 2024, new advances in DNA testing became available and, with funding provided by Season of Justice, Williams' sexual assault kit was tested again, identifying Bowles as the suspect.
Bowles was being held at the Fulton State Hospital in Callaway County, Missouri, on unrelated charges where he was contacted by Springfield Police detectives. On April 17, 2025, Bowles was booked into the Calloway County Jail for 2nd degree murder, forcible rape, and forcible sodomy in relation to this case.
Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Greater Springfield Area Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.
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