Bessemer, Alabama, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Larry Lowe, a convicted murderer from Alabama, is facing serious charges after kidnapping a Texas woman and her family during a horrifying 1,200-mile journey. The ordeal escalated following an argument during his stay at the woman’s home, leading to threats of violence against her and her children. After being forced to drive Lowe back to Alabama, the family reported the incident to authorities upon their return to Texas, resulting in Lowe’s arrest. This disturbing case highlights the potential dangers of online connections.
Bessemer, Alabama – Larry Lowe, a convicted murderer from Alabama, faces serious charges after kidnapping a Texas woman and her family during a horrifying 1,200-mile ordeal. Lowe, who was convicted of murder and has a lengthy criminal history spanning 27 years, had traveled to El Paso, Texas, to meet a woman he met on Facebook, staying with her for 17 days before the incident unfolded on July 14.
The incident began when the woman asked Lowe to leave following an argument. She planned to buy him a bus ticket back to Bessemer, but when Lowe discovered the ticket was for the following day, he became enraged. This anger escalated when he fired a shot at the woman’s brother and threatened the woman at gunpoint, demanding she drive him back to Alabama.
During the harrowing journey, Lowe pointed a gun at the woman and her family, making alarming threats that included shooting one child in the kneecaps and putting another in a headlock. The situation rapidly worsened when Lowe forced the woman to perform sexual acts on her brother under imminent threats of violence against her children. He also subjected her to physical abuse, which included pouring alcohol on her, setting her hair on fire, and burning her with cigarettes.
Moreover, Lowe was reported to have punched one of the children, resulting in a broken nose, and even urinated on the woman while her children watched. At least four shots were fired within the vehicle during the terrifying drive, raising concerns for their safety with every passing mile.
Upon reaching Bessemer, Lowe forced the woman to withdraw $400 from an ATM. However, after pressure from his relatives, Lowe released the woman and her family. The victims reported the incident to authorities on July 17 after returning to Texas, prompting an investigation by the FBI.
Lowe was arrested on July 16 for unrelated charges involving possession of a firearm and drugs as a felon. He is currently being held in Jefferson County Jail and is expected to appear in court to answer the serious charges against him.
This disturbing incident shines a light on the potential dangers of online interactions and the serious risks that may be present when meeting individuals through social media platforms, reinforcing the need for caution and awareness in such situations.
Background Context
Lowe’s criminal history includes a prior murder conviction, for which he served 27 years in prison. His decision to leave Alabama and travel to Texas to meet someone he connected with online culminated in the recent hostage situation, which has since sparked a multifaceted investigation by local and federal authorities.
Important Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Larry Lowe |
| Location of Incident | Bessemer, Alabama |
| Victim | Texas Woman, Her Two Children, and Brother |
| Crime Charges | Kidnapping, Gun Threats, Sexual Abuse |
| Journey Length | 1,200 miles |
| Previous Conviction | Murder (27 years served) |
| Arrest Date | July 16 |
| Current Status | Held in Jefferson County Jail |
FAQs
Who is Larry Lowe?
Larry Lowe is a convicted murderer from Alabama with a criminal history that includes serving 27 years for a previous murder conviction.
What crime is Larry Lowe charged with?
Lowe faces charges of kidnapping a Texas woman and her family, along with multiple accounts of threats and physical abuse during a 1,200-mile journey from Texas to Alabama.
What were the circumstances of the kidnapping?
The kidnapping occurred after a disagreement between Lowe and the woman he met on Facebook, leading to violent threats and abuse during their long drive together.
How did the authorities become involved?
The FBI began investigating the incident after the victims reported the crime to the local authorities upon their return to Texas.
What is Lowe’s current legal status?
Lowe is currently being held in Jefferson County Jail on various charges, and he is expected to face court proceedings in the near future.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: Convicted Murderer Charged with Kidnapping
- AL.com: Convicted Alabama Killer Accused of Kidnapping
- ABC3340: Alabama Man Charged with Abduction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidnapping
- Google Search: Kidnapping News
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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