Revisiting a Dark Past: The Story of Bonnie Lou Gower and Richard Evonitz

Bonnie Lou Gower spent years sharing her life, and bed, with a man she believed she knew intimately. Unbeknownst to her, the man next to her, Richard “Marc” Evonitz, harbored secrets that revealed a chilling truth: he was a serial killer who targeted young girls.

Among his victims was a 16-year-old girl, murdered while he was still married to Gower.

Now, years later, Gower is reflecting on the red flags she failed to notice, alongside Kara Robinson Chamberlain, a young woman who managed to escape Evonitz after enduring 18 hours of captivity.

In the docuseries “The Serial Killer Connection,” Gower reunites with Chamberlain as they investigate the possibility of Evonitz being linked to additional unsolved cases.

A lingering question haunts Gower since uncovering her husband’s dark identity: How could she have been so oblivious?

“When I first learned about his crimes, people would ask how I couldn’t have known,” she shared. “That was actually my first question to the FBI—how could I have lived with someone for eight and a half years and not seen this?” The authorities reassured her that it was improbable for anyone to have noticed.

Upon reflection, Gower admits there were aspects that, at the time, seemed inconspicuous.

Evonitz often opted to stay behind when Gower visited her family—claiming he had to work. Only later did she find out he had taken leave during her absences.

“He made it sound like work was a must,” she recalled, “only to learn that wasn’t the case. Back then, I didn’t think twice about leaving him behind. I was just visiting family. Now, though, it makes you question the trustworthiness of everyone and everything around you.”

The couple met in South Carolina, where Evonitz was the older brother of one of Gower’s friends. Captivated by him at just 16, she agreed to date him when he asked. They tied the knot in August 1988 when Bonnie was 17 and he was 25.

Transitioning to Maine due to Evonitz’s Navy stationing, Gower reflects, “At 17, I thought I understood myself, but looking back, I was naive and too trusting. He seemed to recognize that vulnerability.” During their marriage, Gower had moments of doubt about Evonitz’s fidelity. Yet, whenever she brought up concerns, he dismissed them, convincing her it was all in her head. Over time, he isolated her from friends and family.

Chamberlain, who survived a harrowing ordeal with Evonitz, echoed, “Nobody ever imagines their partner could be a serial killer. Most would think it’s an affair at worst.” Evonitz cleverly concealed his malevolence, keeping it away from those closest to him.

The couple’s relationship deteriorated after Evonitz left the Navy. Growing financial strains and his unpredictable temper only escalated tensions. Gower found herself grappling with uncomfortably intimate aspects of their life, particularly Evonitz’s interests.

Despite feeling increasingly unhappy, Gower never perceived Evonitz as a physical threat. Instead, when she decided to leave, her main concern was his mental state. “He mentioned taking a gun to harm himself, and my worry was for him—never for my own safety,” she reflected.

After Gower left, Evonitz’s actions led to a confrontation with law enforcement. He fled to Florida, where he took his life after being cornered.

Even in leaving, Gower felt a sense of undeserved guilt. “At that moment, leaving felt like an unfounded decision, but I was unhappy,” she explained. Their divorce was finalized in 1998, yet it would take years for Gower to grasp the full extent of Evonitz’s hidden life.

Chamberlain’s own terrifying experience began when she was just 15, lured by Evonitz under the guise of seeking her parents. He held her at gunpoint before forcing her into a dark container. After enduring hours of torment, she cleverly managed to escape, leading the police back to the apartment. But Evonitz had already vanished.

Investigators later connected him to several unsolved murders of young girls, with Chamberlain aiding in identifying him as the perpetrator. Gower’s inquiry into Evonitz’s timeline could uncover more about his past activities, potentially revealing additional victims.

Chamberlain believes there must be more to the story, expressing, “There seems to be a pattern, and I can’t shake the feeling that there are other crimes he may have committed.” As both women revisit the events, they are driven by the hope that new information might come to light.

DNA evidence could potentially unlock more connections to other missing persons cases. While no trace of Evonitz’s DNA is currently in the national database, authorities still possess a blood sample that could be useful in future comparisons.

Despite the unsettling revelations, Gower finds herself grappling with the past. “Understanding all this is not something that can be easily categorized or resolved,” she stated, reflecting on the lasting impact of her marriage.

Ultimately, Gower and Chamberlain continue their collective search for answers, hoping to shine a light on the man who led such a double life.