David Powers, convicted rapist on the run, died in Texas
Suspect flees during Washington County trial
Police are searching for a man charged with kidnapping, domestic assault and criminal sexual conduct after he skipped the final day of his trial. Authorities believe David Powers may have cut off his GPS monitoring device, and he remains on the run.
STILLWATER, Minn. (FOX 9) - The man who failed to show up for cross-examination in his criminal trial has died after a suicide call in San Antonio, Texas, authorities have confirmed.
David Powers, 37, was convicted of kidnapping, criminal sexual assault and domestic assault earlier this week after skipping out on his criminal trial on Monday.
What happened
What police say happened:
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday morning that Powers was deceased. A warrant for his arrest was issued Monday after he failed to show up to his trial, and cut off the GPS monitoring bracelet on his ankle.
Powers was on trial for keeping his then-girlfriend hostage in her Lake Elmo home, where he also raped and assaulted her.
San Antonio police confirmed the man who died following a suicide call was Powers. According to police, officers responded to Highway Loop 410 at 10:19 p.m. for a suicide in progress. Bystanders who were driving by said a man had jumped off a bridge onto Jones Maltsberger Road and landed on Highway Loop 410.
The man, later identified as Powers, was then seen walking on the highway, trying to get vehicles to stop, police said. A person did stop to assist, when Powers pulled the citizen out of his vehicle and began assaulting the citizen, attempting to take their vehicle.
Police detained Powers. He was then taken to the hospital, where he later died.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the U.S.
Ex-girlfriend speaks with FOX 9
The backstory:
Chandra McFarland was in a relationship with Powers for several months when he reportedly snapped after a Minnesota United soccer match in May 2023.
McFarland detailed to FOX 9 that Powers snapped when the two returned to her home after a night of excessive drinking. She said he turned into a crazed monster and used his physical strength and threats of violence to keep her from using her phone or fleeing the situation.
Law enforcement ultimately arrived after her colleagues asked for a welfare check on McFarland after she didn't show up to work.
McFarland was in the hospital for two days, and Powers was arrested and charged.