Bowling Green, Kentucky: Community and Family Seek Answers Following Officer-Involved Shooting
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, a tragic incident in July 2023 has left a family searching for answers and a community grappling with the consequences of an officer-involved shooting. The situation unfolded on Russellville Road during a response to a disturbance at America’s Car-Mart, which ultimately resulted in the death of Esteban Lowery.
Timeline of Events
On July 2023, Kentucky State Police confirmed that Esteban Lowery was involved in a confrontation with Bowling Green Police Officer Matt Davis. Reports indicate that Lowery allegedly pointed a gun at Officer Davis while he was responding to a call alongside a department-sanctioned ride-along.
Following the incident, officers found Lowery unresponsive at the scene. They attempted life-saving measures; however, details surrounding his condition at the time of the confrontation were not disclosed. Over a month later, authorities confirmed that Lowery had died, but his family remains in the dark about the specifics of the event that led to his untimely death.
Family’s Struggle for Information
WBKO has been actively seeking information from Kentucky State Police regarding the investigation but has received limited responses, leaving Lowery’s family feeling heartbroken and frustrated. Wayne Burton, Lowery’s first cousin, expressed their desperate need for clarity, stating, “It’s always three sides to a story; their story, our story, and the truth. All we’re looking for is the truth. What’s going on?”
Esteban Lowery’s mother, Lori Lowery, shared her emotional plea for justice. She remarked, “No one wants to speak. No one wants to come out and say anything, but all they can say is the bad or the wrong that Esteban Lowery did. Yes, we all have issues, we all have mistakes. But still, Esteban Lowery is and was a human being. Give us justice, please give this family justice.”
The Activist’s Call to Action
National civil rights activist John Barnett has joined the Lowery family in their quest for answers. During a press conference, he urged the community to remain calm yet vigilant. “We need justice for this. We’re not going to stop until we get it,” Barnett said. He emphasized that they have plans for organized actions if necessary and urged the sheriff and police chief to meet with the family.
The demands include obtaining the police report as soon as possible and understanding what transpired during the encounter with the police. Barnett has also expressed intentions to assist Lowery’s mother in finding legal representation to ensure thorough inquiries into the circumstances of her son’s death.
Official Responses and Future Steps
As the family continues to seek clarity, the Kentucky State Police have stated that the timeline for completing investigations can vary based on case complexity. On August 6, the case was submitted for review to the Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney. They noted that further information could not be released as it may obstruct the judicial process.
There have been claims from Lowery’s family that his death certificate indicated he died from strangulation, but this assertion remains unconfirmed by officials. The lack of clarity surrounding the specifics of the encounter, as well as the method of death, has fueled the family’s desire for transparency and justice.
The community of Bowling Green stands divided, grappling with the recent events and searching for a resolution that honors the life of Esteban Lowery. The investigation continues, and for now, the Lowery family’s plea for truth and justice reverberates through the hearts of many.
