Ralph Bowling III was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by Judge Amy McDowell today for the shooting death of his estranged wife Cheyenne Bowling, according to a news release from the Barry County Prosecutor’s office. He was also sentenced for the shooting of Nathan Farrell.
Bowling was convicted of first degree murder and several other charges by a jury in Barry County Circuit Court on May 18.
“While Mr. Bowling’s action will forever affect Nathan Farrell and his family and the family of Cheyenne Bowling, our hope is that they will find some peace knowing that he will be in prison for the rest of his life,” Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said.
A summary of his sentences includes:
*Count 1: first degree murder-life in prison without the possibility of parole;
*Count 2: felony firearm-two years in prison to be served before and consecutive to his sentence for count 1;
*Count 3: assault with intent to murder- 40 to 60 years in prison;
*Count 4: felony firearm-two years in prison to be served before and consecutive to his sentence for count 3;
*Count 5: home invasion first degree-13 to 20 years in prison;
*Count 6: felony firearm- two years in prison to be served before and consecutively to his sentence for count 5;
*Count 7: second degree arson-10 to 20 years in prison;
*Count 8: carrying a weapon with unlawful intent-two to five years in prison;
*Count 9: felony firearm-two years in prison, to be served before and consecutively to his sentence for count 7.
Bowling was also ordered to pay restitution to State Farm Insurance and the estate of Cheyenne Bowling as well as fines, costs and victim’s rights fees.
The murder charges stem from events that unfolded in the early morning hours of June 11. 2017. Court testimony showed that Bowling followed his estranged wife and Nathan Farrell to the home of his wife’s mother and stepfather on Bird Road, threatened them both and shot Farrell in the neck.
Bowling then chased Cheyenne Bowling from the home into the driveway and shot her in the face. After shooting her, Bowling fled the scene and returned to his residence on Coats Grove Road where he set it on fire, intending to commit suicide.
Changing his mind, he ran from the house and, after driving around for several hours, turned himself in to authorities.
