Ohio man convicted of killing woman in front of their 2-month-old, reporting it as suicide

COLUMBUS, Ohio (TCD) -- A 33-year-old man has been convicted of charges related to the 2022 death of the 33-year-old mother of his child, who was in the process of leaving him.

The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced this week that a jury found Dallas Lowery guilty of one count of murder, one count of felony murder, one count of fourth-degree domestic violence, and one count of tampering with evidence, all with firearm specifications. A judge also found Lowery guilty of one count of having weapons while under disability.

Lowery faces 18 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on April 25.

On Feb. 22, 2022, officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to the 1700 block of Melrose Avenue, where they found Heather Chapman suffering from a gunshot wound. Columbus Fire pronounced her dead at the scene.

Lowery reportedly went to the victim's home to gather his belongings when he fatally shot her, the Columbus Dispatch reports. Their 2-month-old daughter was in the same room at the time.

After shooting the victim, Lowery allegedly left the baby home alone to go to a hotel room, shower, and change his clothes. More than an hour later, he reportedly returned to the scene, called 911, and reported Chapman's death as a suicide. However, homicide detectives arrived on scene and launched an investigation due to "suspicious circumstances."

According to the Columbus Dispatch, officials recovered the handgun Lowery had used in a vehicle owned by the co-defendant, 29-year-old Terry Parrish.

Parrish testified in court and said the day before the incident, Lowery called the victim multiple times and threatened to shoot her in the face. Parrish pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and faces up to three years in prison.

Anthony Pierson, deputy chief counsel for the prosecutor’s office, said, "I thank the jury for ensuring that this man’s decision to take a woman’s life has severe consequences."

MORE:

• Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office secures multiple guilty verdicts in 2022 murder case - Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
• Columbus man convicted of murdering ex, leaving baby alone before reporting a 'suicide' - The Columbus Dispatch
• News Release, 5/16/2022 - Columbus Division of Police