Powers failed to show up for his trial on charges of rape and kidnapping in Washington County Monday, setting off a national manhunt.
SAN ANTONIO — A Minnesota fugitive from law enforcement is dead after a bizarre and desperate sequence of events in San Antonio, Texas, Wednesday night.
Law enforcement began an all-out search for David Powers after he failed to show up for his trial in Washington County Monday on charges of rape and kidnapping. A jury convicted Powers on all counts in the 2023 incident, which involved him confining his former girlfriend after an argument, beating and sexually assaulting her.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirms that Powers is dead from injuries suffered when he jumped off a bridge near the San Antonio airport. San Antonio police responded to reports of an attempted suicide in progress after motorists reported seeing someone jumping from the Jones Matlsberger bridge.
Police say although injured, Powers was able to walk alongside the highway, and when a motorist pulled over to help, Powers reportedly pulled the driver out of the vehicle and began assaulting him in an attempt to steal the vehicle. Officers arrived and took the fugitive into custody.
Powers was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where he died from his injuries.
KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff spoke with the woman victimized by Powers in the violent 2023 incident after he failed to show up for trial. Despite the horrific events he put her through, Chandra McFarland shared condolences for her attacker’s family.
“Learning this news has been completely devastating. My most heartfelt deepest condolences to his family and closest friends,” McFarland said. “All of this has been incredibly devastating. My heart breaks for this entire situation.”
Washington County says the investigation into David Powers’ death remains ongoing.