A Colorado man has been indicted on first-degree murder charges more than two years after his estranged wife was found dead in her home — a case that initially raised questions about suicide but was later ruled a homicide following an extensive investigation.
Woman Found Dead with Gunshot Wound
Richelle “Chelle” Lowry, 42, was discovered dead in October 2023 inside her Bennett, Colorado home after she failed to show up for work and stopped responding to messages.
Authorities at the time reported that she had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators also noted unusual circumstances at the scene, including her phone being submerged in water.
While her death was originally classified as “undetermined,” prosecutors say forensic analysis and a digital evidence review later shifted the case in a different direction.
Husband Indicted After Grand Jury Review
On Feb. 27, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that Ronald Lowry, 52, had been indicted by a grand jury in connection with Chelle’s death.
He now faces multiple charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Two counts of stalking
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Violent crime resulting in serious bodily injury or death
- Violent crime using a deadly weapon
All charges are filed as acts of domestic violence.
Lowry has since been booked into the Morgan County Jail.
Investigation Revealed New Evidence
According to court records, investigators believed Ronald was jealous and angry following the couple’s separation. Authorities allege he stalked Chelle and even recorded her with a boyfriend before her death.
Security footage reportedly captured a man resembling Ronald near Chelle’s home around the time she died.
Autopsy findings later revealed that Chelle died from a close-range gunshot wound to the head. Medical reports also described suspicious bruising and a large hematoma on her forehead. Male DNA was found on her body, though early forensic testing was inconclusive due to sample quality.
After further medical review, a doctor reclassified the manner of death as homicide and reissued her death certificate.
Family Says She Feared for Her Life
Court documents cite statements from Chelle’s friends and family who insisted she had made it clear she would never take her own life.
One friend reportedly told investigators that Chelle said if anything ever happened to her, Ronald would be responsible.
Family members have also stated she was just days away from finalizing her divorce at the time of her death.
Prosecutors Emphasize Commitment to Justice
Prosecutors described the indictment as a significant step toward accountability. Officials credited law enforcement with conducting a thorough investigation, carefully reviewing forensic, digital, and testimonial evidence over an extended period.
The case underscores how complex domestic violence investigations can evolve over time as new forensic analysis and digital evidence come to light.
Ronald Lowry is expected to face further court proceedings as the case moves forward.
