Ex-boyfriend charged in Upper Darby woman's slaying
Masako Griffin tried to leave her abusive boyfriend at least five times but couldn't break the tie.
Masako Griffin tried to leave her abusive boyfriend at least five times but couldn't break the tie.
And, police say, it cost the Upper Darby woman her life.
"This is one of these unfortunate - we see it all too often - domestic violence cases that turns tragic for the victim," said Police Superintendent Michael J. Chitwood.
De-Schae Lowry, 38, of Upper Darby, has been charged with murder and related counts in the killing of Griffin whose partially clothed body was found last month in her bedroom, police said Thursday.
Lowry, who had turned himself in to Jacksonville, Fla., police and eventually was extradited, had been considered a "person of interest."
The body of Griffin, 38, was found on Aug. 3 inside her residence, on Emerson Avenue near Church Lane. She was lying on her back, partially clothed with a towel or piece of clothing over her head, police said at the time. She was strangled and had been dead at least two days, according to court documents.
"We don't have a confession," said Chitwood. "We do have evidence."
Chitwood said Lowry was "a violent man" who had a history of abusing Griffin and had been arrested for stabbing her son
"This woman has had five different protection from abuse orders," said Chitwood.
According to court documents:
In May 2008, Lowry allegedly threatened to shoot Griffin. He choked her in front of her daughter.
In August 2009 Lowry threatened to have a female friend beat up Griffin.
In June 2012, Lowry struck their daughter with a broomstick.
In September 2013 Lowry allegedly choked Griffin
In July 2014, Lowry threatened to kill Griffin.
Within an hour of the discovery of Griffin's body was found, Lowry surrendered to Jacksonville and said he wanted to kill himself.
Lowry allegedly told Jacksonville police he got off work on Friday and when he came home he "found my wife murdered in Philadelphia," according to court documents. Lowry was treated for self-inflicted wounds to his hands and wrists and commited to a mental-health facility and charged with driving under the influence.
According to court documents, Lowry had showered at the victim's house on Thursday night. Griffin and another woman dropped him at a North Philadelphia shelter. Griffin dropped the woman off at her address and returned to her Emerson Avenue home.
During questioning in Florida, Lowry gave police conflicting statements about how he got Griffin's car. When Upper Darby detectives showed Lowry a photo of Griffin and asked if he knew who she was, he looked at the photo and requested and attorney, according to court documents.
610-313-8111
@MariSchaefer