A fatal encounter over loud music in a Wisconsin apartment complex late last month has left one man dead and a young woman facing serious felony charges.
According to court documents and local news sources, 41-year-old Acentun De Bowden, a dentist residing in the building, was watching a basketball game on April 27 when he approached a neighbor’s unit to complain about loud music. The neighbor, 21-year-old Kiana McGowan, was reportedly styling her hair while playing music at a high volume.
After Bowden knocked on her door and asked her to lower the volume, McGowan briefly responded before closing the door. Prosecutors say Bowden then began kicking at her door repeatedly. Fearing he was about to force entry, McGowan retrieved a firearm. Moments later, she opened the door and fired a single shot, striking Bowden in the abdomen.
Neighbors reported hearing one gunshot followed by screams. Some ran into the hallway and found Bowden collapsed in front of McGowan’s apartment. Emergency services were called immediately, but despite prompt arrival by first responders, Bowden was declared dead at the scene.
McGowan fled the scene but was taken into custody shortly afterward. During her first court appearance, she stated she was frightened by Bowden’s actions and believed he was attempting to break in. Her lawyer argued that her actions were driven by fear, not intent to kill.
However, prosecutors asserted she had other options, such as locking herself inside and contacting authorities. The presiding judge remarked, “This situation did not justify a fatal outcome.”
McGowan has been charged with three felonies: first-degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and reckless endangerment. If convicted, she faces significant prison time and hefty fines.
The case has attracted widespread attention due to its tragic nature and the ordinary circumstances that led to it — a noise complaint between neighbors. Supporters of Bowden describe him as a devoted professional and father who simply wanted to enjoy a game in peace. McGowan’s advocates claim her reaction reflects the fear many young women feel when confronted by an aggressive stranger at their door.
As the case unfolds, it is expected to renew public debate around home defense laws, firearm use, and how quickly everyday disputes can spiral into lethal confrontations.A fatal encounter over loud music in a Wisconsin apartment complex late last month has left one man dead and a young woman facing serious felony charges.
According to court documents and local news sources, 41-year-old Acentun De Bowden, a dentist residing in the building, was watching a basketball game on April 27 when he approached a neighbor’s unit to complain about loud music. The neighbor, 21-year-old Kiana McGowan, was reportedly styling her hair while playing music at a high volume.
After Bowden knocked on her door and asked her to lower the volume, McGowan briefly responded before closing the door. Prosecutors say Bowden then began kicking at her door repeatedly. Fearing he was about to force entry, McGowan retrieved a firearm. Moments later, she opened the door and fired a single shot, striking Bowden in the abdomen.
Neighbors reported hearing one gunshot followed by screams. Some ran into the hallway and found Bowden collapsed in front of McGowan’s apartment. Emergency services were called immediately, but despite prompt arrival by first responders, Bowden was declared dead at the scene.
McGowan fled the scene but was taken into custody shortly afterward. During her first court appearance, she stated she was frightened by Bowden’s actions and believed he was attempting to break in. Her lawyer argued that her actions were driven by fear, not intent to kill.
However, prosecutors asserted she had other options, such as locking herself inside and contacting authorities. The presiding judge remarked, “This situation did not justify a fatal outcome.”
McGowan has been charged with three felonies: first-degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and reckless endangerment. If convicted, she faces significant prison time and hefty fines.
The case has attracted widespread attention due to its tragic nature and the ordinary circumstances that led to it — a noise complaint between neighbors. Supporters of Bowden describe him as a devoted professional and father who simply wanted to enjoy a game in peace. McGowan’s advocates claim her reaction reflects the fear many young women feel when confronted by an aggressive stranger at their door.
As the case unfolds, it is expected to renew public debate around home defense laws, firearm use, and how quickly everyday disputes can spiral into lethal confrontations.
