Man charged in 1979 slaying extradited

A man accused in the 1979 torture-slaying of an 8-year-old boy made his initial court hearing Friday, a day his extradition from Maine.

A judge entered a not guilty plea for David B. Bowen, 44, and set another hearing for Jan. 8. At that time, a defense attorney might be appointed for Bowen, said Carolyn Rogers, a spokeswoman for the Lake County prosecutor's office.

Kevin Joyce, the Maine attorney appointed to represent Bowen in the extradition matter, said Bowen planned to fight the murder charge in the October 1979 slaying of Kenneth Conrick.

Bowen, a former Indiana resident, was arrested Tuesday at a motel where he worked near Kingfield, Maine, after DNA evidence tied him to Kenneth's death, authorities have said. He was being held at Lake County Jail without bond.

Bowen has long been the prime suspect in the 8-year-old's death. The boy's nude body was found bound to a tree in a wooded area near his family's Gary-area home. A cord had been tied around his neck, and his body showed signs of brutal, prolonged torture. Bowen was 16 years old in October 1979.

Bowen arrived at the Lake County Jail late Thursday after being extradited from Maine, and did not speak as officers led him in handcuffs and shackles. He is being held without bond.

The 8-year-old's body was found bound to a tree on Oct. 28, 1979, following a 13-day search, in a wooded area near his family's Gary home. His body showed signs of prolonged torture.