The attorneys representing David Gengler of Lakeview, who faces a number of charges stemming from the alleged beating, rape, torture and robbery of a female victim in 2016, have filed a motion asking the court to prohibit Gengler’s ex-wife from testifying if his current cases go to trial. Gengler is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court Thursday.
The defense attorneys list a number of reasons the testimony of the ex-wife should be kept out. They call the allegations made by the woman “extreme” and the “product of a contested divorce” more than 15 years ago.
In the motion, the defense attorneys write the state has no reason for any evidence the ex-wife might provide to prove its case and that the testimony would inflame rather than inform the jury.
The attorneys also argue the information she might provide would create “unfair prejudice” against Gengler.
The 55-year-old Gengler was initially charged with kidnapping and five counts of first-degree battery on June 1, 2016. Later in the same month, the more serious charges of rape and aggravated robbery were filed. The latter charges were based on information developed during the investigation the victim had suffered what was described as severe sexual trauma while being held against her will. It was also determined money was missing from several locations in the residence. Gengler was reported to have had a large sum of money in his wallet when he was initially booked into the county jail.
Gengler’s problems with the law began when Baxter County Deputies responded to a residence along Greenwood Avenue in Lakeview May 24, 2016 and found a badly beaten female victim. Gengler and the then 57-year-old woman shared the residence according to investigative records.
The victim was lying on the floor by the front door of the residence.
Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery said at the time the victim had marks on her wrists and appeared to have been bound for days. She also had numerous other injuries including what were thought to be cigarette burns.
Investigators reported finding blood splattered on the walls of the residence and a large amount of duct tape with hair stuck to it on the bathroom floor. A knife and bloody cigarette butt were also found and taken into evidence.
The victim was able to make a 911 call requesting assistance. According to the Sheriff’s Office’s incident report, the victim asked for an ambulance but was initially hesitant to say why one was needed. She eventually told the 911 dispatcher, “he will kill me.” Gengler, who was at the residence, told investigators the victim was bipolar and “falls all the time”. He has denied inflicting the injuries, holding the woman against her will or having forced sexual relations with her.
Deputies had been to the home in response to an earlier domestic disturbance call on May 19th of 2016. The victim told deputies on that occasion she and Gengler had been in a heated argument over his “drinking habits.” She said Gengler had shoved her during the argument. Gengler said the disagreement had arisen over the victim’s gambling and he denied having any physical contact with her during the confrontation.
During an interview with the victim at a Springfield hospital following the second and more serious incident, she told investigators she had been bound for two-or-three days. She said Gengler taped her in an upright position and punched, beat and kicked her. The victim said Gengler also choked her and burned her with cigarettes. According to the victim, her relationship with Gengler began when he moved into her residence in October 2015 to work as a handyman.
Gengler has undergone psychological examinations to determine if he is fit to proceed in his cases. Since the cases are moving forward, it is assumed he was found fit.
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