Summary: Ronald Lowry was indicted on Feb. 27 on first-degree murder and related domestic-violence charges in the October 2023 death of his estranged wife, Richelle 'Chelle' Lowry, who was found in her Bennett, Colorado home with a gunshot wound to the head. After an initial undetermined ruling, a forensic re-analysis and digital evidence review led prosecutors to reclassify the death as a homicide. Court records allege stalking, surveillance, and security footage placing a man resembling Ronald near the scene; family members say Chelle was days from finalizing their divorce.
Colorado Man Indicted in Murder of Estranged Wife Days Before Their Divorce Was Set to Be Finalized
Ronald LowryCredit: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
A grand jury on Feb. 27 indicted 52-year-old Ronald Lowry on first-degree murder and multiple related domestic-violence charges in the October 2023 death of his estranged wife, Richelle 'Chelle' Lowry.
What Happened
Authorities say 42-year-old Richelle Lowry was found dead in her Bennett, Colorado, home in October 2023 with a gunshot wound to the head. Deputies with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office reported that she had not shown up for work and was not answering messages; investigators also noted her phone was found submerged in water at the scene.
Investigation and Evidence
Officials initially listed the cause of death as undetermined, with early questions about a possible suicide. An extensive investigation involving forensic re-analysis and a digital evidence review led prosecutors to reclassify the death as a homicide. An autopsy noted a close-range gunshot wound to the head, suspicious bruising, and a large hematoma on the forehead. Male DNA was also recovered from the body, though early testing produced degraded samples that required further analysis.
Local court records and law enforcement statements say investigators uncovered evidence alleging that Ronald had stalked Richelle after their separation, recorded her with a boyfriend, and appeared on security footage near her home around the time she died. Friends and family told investigators Richelle had said she would not take her own life.
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office vehicle (stock image)Credit: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
Charges and Case Status
Ronald Lowry faces charges including first-degree murder, two counts of stalking, tampering with physical evidence, a violent-crime charge for serious bodily injury or death, and a violent-crime charge for using a deadly weapon. All counts are being prosecuted as acts of domestic violence. He was booked into the Morgan County Jail following the indictment.
'The return of this indictment marks an important step in the pursuit of justice for Richelle Lowry,' said 18th Judicial District Attorney Amy Padden. Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley praised investigators for carefully examining forensic, digital, and testimonial evidence.
Family Reaction
Richelle's family said she was days away from finalizing her divorce when she died. Her stepbrother told local media the family is convinced Ronald was responsible and wants him held accountable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Note: The investigation and indictment are ongoing. Charges are allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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