Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Deer Lodge, MT: Deer Lodge man turns self in connection with wife's death

DEER LODGE – A Deer Lodge man who turned himself in to police Sunday in connection with the death of his wife late Saturday night has been identified.

The husband is 65-year-old Dennis Schowengerdt, according to Powell County Sheriff Scott F. Howard.

Howard confirmed that Schowengerdt, a retired mechanic, drove to the station at about 8 a.m. Sunday and told officers he killed his wife, 66-year-old Tina Schowengerdt, at their home near Racetrack outside of town.

Dennis Schowengerdt confessed to the crime and did not show any remorse, Howard told reporters. The murder was committed in the couple's living room using a large "Rambo-style" knife.

Howard described the attack as violent and angry. The Schowengerdts had a troubled relationship, he added, and police had been called to their home numerous times in the past.

Dennis Schowengerdt waited until morning to feed horses and sheep on their property before turning himself in. He did explain his motive, but Howard declined to comment pending further investigation.

The couple owned the MRC Station on Main Street. Tina Schowengerdt was also involved in the Powell County Chamber of Commerce.

Dennis Schowengerdt is currently held in the Powell County Detention Center without bond. Charges have not yet been filed, but County Attorney Lewis Smith is working on documents that would charge Schowengerdt in district court with felony deliberate homicide and committed with a weapons enhancement.

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