LV woman pleads guilty to abuse in child’s death

Kim Smith

Friday, May 19, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

A Las Vegas woman accused of killing her young cousin in a car crash while chasing her boyfriend pleaded guilty Thursday to felony child abuse.

Stephanie Bowman, 20, faces two to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced by District Judge John McGroarty on Aug. 8, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Booker.

Bowman could also receive probation if a psychiatric evaluation indicates she is not a danger to society, Booker said.

Police say Bowman, who is five-months pregnant, was trying to catch up to her boyfriend and another woman on March 25 when she lost control of her car near Pecos Road and Cheyenne Avenue. The car struck a light pole, shearing it at its base.

Bowman's cousin, Marquise Thomas, 10, was killed and Javario Preston, 8, was critically injured. Two 17-year-olds and a 12-year-old passenger received less serious injuries.

Bowman was indicted on two counts of felony reckless driving, one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child abuse. She also faced three gross misdemeanor counts of child abuse and a handful of traffic violations.