North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, September 23, 1997
Add to My HeroesLloyd Edward Lowry
Sergeant Lloyd Lowry and Corporal David Hathcock, of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed during a traffic stop that Sergeant Lowry had initiated.
Sergeant Lowry had stopped a car on I-95, at Exit 52 in Fayetteville, and called for backup after discovering that it was stolen. Corporal Hathcock arrived and took the passenger out of the car as Sergeant Lowry took the driver out. As they attempted to handcuff the two suspects a fight broke out and the passenger was able to return to the vehicle and retrieve a fully automatic AK-47.
He opened fire on both officers striking them several times. The driver then took Sergeant Lowry's weapon and shot both officers several more times at close range before fleeing.
A passing motorist who witnessed the incident called police from a cell phone and followed the suspects, even after being fired upon, until other officers began a chase. Both suspects were arrested after a brief foot chase when their vehicle spun out of control as they attempted exit the highway. The two suspects were were brothers from Virginia who had just robbed a bank in South Carolina.
On April 29th, 1998, both brothers were convicted of two counts of capital murder, armed robbery, possession of a stolen car, shooting into an occupied vehicle and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. On May 13th, 1998, they were both sentenced to death. One of the subject's had his sentence reduced to life in prison in 2005 when the United States Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to execute convicted murderers who committed their crimes as juveniles. On December 13th, 2012, the older brother's death sentence was commuted to life, however, the death sentence was reimposed in January 2017. On September 26, 2020, because it was determined racial bias was a significant factor in his death sentence, his death sentence was again commuted to life.
Trooper Lowry had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 22 years. He is survived by his wife and children.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour 22 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; AK-47
- Offender Sentenced commuted to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 63 ReflectionsToday, we reflect on your life, your friendship and your service to Richmond County North Carolina. You were a fine man and are missed! May you forever rest in peace.
Earl and Tina Graves
December 11, 2021
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