Funeral director denied bond in murder case

NASHVILLE -- A Superior Court judge today refused to allow bond for a Rocky Mount funeral home operator who has been awaiting trial more than a year in the murder of his wife.

Judge Quentin T. Sumner denied a motion by defense attorneys for Mark A. Bowling, 37, during a hearing Nash County Superior Court. Bowling and his alleged mistress, Rose Deloris Vincent of Middlesex, are charged with killing Bowling's wife, Julie Rowland Bowling, in December 2006.

Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty in the case, which has attracted widespread publicity because of Bowling's prominence in the Rocky Mount area.

Sumner also ordered that court officials, including prosecution and defense attorneys, not talk about the case outside the courtroom. Both sides asked for restrictions on "extra judicial" comments.

Defense attorneys had also asked that pretrial proceedings be closed to the media.

Michael J. Tadych, an attorney for several news organizations including The News & Observer and Capitol Broadcasting, objected to restrictions on media access and coverage.

Sumner essentially ruled that court personnel and attorneys could answer questions about procedural matters but could not talk about potential evidence.

"The case will not be tried in the press," Sumner said. "It will be tried in the courtroom."

However, he said the media could be in open court.

Bowling's court-appointed lawyers, Tom Sallenger of Wilson and Tommy Moore II of Rocky Mount, argued that Bowling was entitled to a reasonable bond.

Moore said the case does not warrant the death penalty. And he said the evidence against his client is weak and circumstantial.

"We maintain that we unequivocally believe that when this matter is put before a jury he will be found not guilty," he said.

He also said Bowling has lost his wife, home and business and is now indigent. He said he has no resources to flee and avoid prosecution.

Moore said Bowling's friends and family, many of whom attended the hearing, could help him post a bond. Since his arrest, Bowling has been held in Central Prison in Raleigh.

He appeared in court today wearing an orange jump suit from the Nash County Jail.

Assistant District Attorney Keith Werner briefly addressed the judge to say that bond is generally not allowed in capital cases where the death penalty is possible.

Sumner denied the defense motion without comment.