Facts of the Crime:
On December 30, 1979, the body of an 82-year-old female was found lying on the floor of her bedroom. The detective who found the body, Detective Larry Lewis, surveyed bruises on the victim’s forearm and under her ear, a small abrasion on the pelvic area, and dried blood under the victim’s nose.
During the autopsy, it was discerned that the cause of death was strangulation. Two lacerations on the victim’s head were found and attributed to a sharp edge, either from an instrument or the lip of furniture. The lacerations could have rendered the victim unconscious. It was determined that the sexual assault occurred prior to the victim’s death, but it could not be determined if the victim was conscious at the time of the assault. Several fingerprints were found around a window in the house. This window was determined to be the point of entry for the assailant. The fingerprints found around the window were compared to Kenneth Quince’s and were found to be a match.
Quince was arrested at his home, which was two blocks away from the scene. After being questioned by police, Quince admitted to the following events. Quince claimed he had been in the house several years earlier when he had mowed the lawn for the victim. He stated that he had burglarized the home believing that no one was home. While Quince was in the house, Ms. Bowdoin opened the door of her bedroom. Both saw each other, and then Ms. Bowdoin proceeded to shut and lock her bedroom door. Quince then pushed his way through the door, which knocked Ms. Bowdoin onto the floor. Ms. Bowdoin stood up and started screaming. Quince attempted to silence her by grabbing her by the throat and shaking her. He then pushed her to the floor. Quince then began looking for valuables again and found a tape player, a radio, and a ring. When Quince was leaving the house, he stepped on Ms. Bowdoin’s stomach.
During this questioning, Quince denied any knowledge of the sexual assault. During later questioning, when confronted with forensic evidence, Quince admitted to the sexual assault, but refused to discuss the details. Later, when questioned by psychologists, Quince admitted that, when Ms. Bowdoin fell to the floor her nightgown ended up around her waist, which revealed her legs and pelvic area. He claimed this sexually aroused him and resulted in his decision to rape Ms. Bowdoin.
Quince was sentenced to death in Volusia County on October 21, 1980.
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