DNA Test Ordered For Murder Suspect In Denver

DenverPost ~ A judge ordered an Adams County software firm founder accused of killing his ex-business partner to provide a DNA sample Monday.

Adams County District Judge Francis Wasserman also set an April 9 preliminary hearing for William Rex Fowler, 58, who made his first court appearance in a blue jumpsuit and shackles.

Fowler is charged with premeditated, first-degree murder in connection with the Dec. 30 shooting of Ciancio, who had gone to Fowler Software Design to receive a $9,900 severance payment, according to an investigator's statement supporting Fowler's arrest warrant.

Ciancio was shot three times in the head with a 9mm Glock handgun that Fowler received as a 2007 Christmas present from his son, the arrest affidavit stated.

Investigators said Fowler survived a gunshot wound from a bullet that entered under his chin and exited the top of his head.

Employees told investigators that Ciancio quit the software firm in November because he was upset that Fowler had allegedly taken $200,000 from the company "without permission and gave it to a church or some type of charity," the arrest warrant affidavit said.

On Monday, prosecutors also requested access to Fowler's medical records, but his defense attorney Sarah Quinn objected. Judge Wasserman granted Quinn time to file a written motion opposing release of the medical records before he rules on the issue next week.

Fowler's arrest warrant report has been published on several web sites critical of Scientology, a religion popular among some Hollywood film stars which was founded in the 1950s by the late science fiction author, L. Ron Hubbard.

Fowler, who goes by Rex, has described himself as a Scientology minister and publicly praised the rewards of his 36-year commitment to the faith.

Related ODIT: Fowler Charged With 1st Degree In Fowl-Play.