Couple accusing of abusing family member

A Ronan couple is accused of abusing a family member. Eddie Robert Cowen, 41, and Donna Rochelle Vincent Cowen, 65, recently appeared in District Court in Polson separately for arraignment hearings.

Each entered a plea of not guilty to abuse of a vulnerable adult. Eddie Cowen’s case is before Judge Molly Owen, and his wife’s case is before Judge John Mercer.

According to court records, on June 12, the aunt of the alleged victim contacted law enforcement regarding her mentally disabled niece, identified only by the initials S.K. The aunt indicated that S.K. would like to speak with the police.

Sgt. Brandon Smith with the Ronan Police Department learned that S.K. had escaped her home on Dayton Street and fled to St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, where she was waiting for police. S.K. told Sgt. Smith that she’s terrified of the Cowens and did not want to return home due to allegations of abuse.

She also indicated that Eddie Cowen threatened her with a shovel and that he held her to the ground by her throat and that she couldn’t breathe. She described other forms of alleged abuse, including being assaulted with a belt, and having her finger bent back.

She also explained her fear of clowns and alleged that Eddie Cowen wore a clown mask to frighten her. A witness in the home corroborated S.K.’s story.

Judge Owen set Eddie Cowen’s case for trial on Dec. 1 while Judge Mercer set Donna Cowen’s trial for Oct. 4. Both are at liberty, although Judge Owen ordered them not to discuss the case.

    Donna Cowen