PALATKA, Fla. – A 23-year-old man who pleaded guilty to killing a disabled Melrose man and fleeing the state with his 15-year-old girlfriend in the victim's pickup will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Toby Lowry was sentenced Friday morning in the Putnam County Courthouse under the terms of a plea agreement in which he will testify against teenage co-defendant Morgan Leppert.
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The two were accused of beating 66-year-old James Stewart with metal rods, then suffocating him with a plastic bag last April before taking off in his pickup. Because Leppert was a teenager and investigators did not initially know she left willingly with Lowry, a nationwide Amber Alert was issued.
As a result of the publicity, a citizen reported seeing the pair panhandling in El Paso, Texas. They were arrested and extradited back to Florida.
Prosecutors said Lowry gave Texas police a full confession to the slaying.
In a sentencing hearing that lasted only 10 minutes, Lowry said, "I am sorry for what I did. I really, truly am." He was then sentenced to life in prison without parole. He could have faced the death penalty if he were convicted at trial.
Stewart's family was in the courtroom Friday, but declined comment.
"It's a terrible case," State Attorney R.J. Larizza said. "It's very difficult for them and we still have another case, so unfortunately, they may have to go through this again."
Larizza said they have a strong case against Leppert, and now having the testimony of Lowry makes it even stronger.
Leppert is expected to be back in court in March. Her trial on charges of first-degree murder and auto theft has not been scheduled. Because of her age, prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty.
"A life sentence is appropriate for her," Larizza said. "I wouldn't be optimistic if I was a defense attorney that there was going to be an offer on the table for something less than a life sentence."
Previous Stories:
- January 23, 2009: Putnam Man Pleads Guilty To Murder
- June 13, 2008: Man Accused Of Murder Attempts Suicide
- June 11, 2008: Teen 'Ain't Got Nothing To Say' About Slaying
- May 16, 2008: 15-Year-Old Accused Killer Booked In Jail
- May 10, 2008: Putnam Ex-Con Booked In Melrose Slaying