Barry Marcel Lowery

In the early morning hours of a spring day in East St. Louis, Illinois, the life of Barry Marcel Lowery, a 46-year-old man, came to a violent and sudden end. For years, his name has been on a list of the state’s unsolved homicides, a lingering tragedy for which his loved ones still await answers and justice. Though many details of Barry's personal life and the man he was have remained private, the brutal facts of his death created a mystery that has endured for over a decade.

It was just before dawn on Thursday, April 5, 2007, when the discovery was made. At approximately 5:20 a.m., Barry was found inside his residence at 640 North 53rd Street. He had been shot to death. The quiet neighborhood was disturbed by the presence of law enforcement as they began to piece together the final moments of Barry's life. What transpired inside his home remains unknown to the public, as authorities have not released information about a possible motive, any suspects, or whether the entry was forced. The silence surrounding the circumstances of his death has left a void, filled only by the unanswered questions of who targeted Barry Lowery and why.

The investigation into the homicide was launched by the Illinois State Police, with agents from Zone 6 Investigations taking the lead. East St. Louis in 2007 was a city grappling with a high rate of violent crime, and its police force, often overwhelmed and under-resourced, faced significant challenges in solving homicides. The city's homicide rate was among the highest in the nation, and many cases from that era grew cold as leads dried up and witnesses remained silent, often out of fear or mistrust. Investigators in Barry's case were tasked with canvassing a community where such violence was tragically common, making their search for clues and cooperation all the more difficult.

Despite the initial investigation and the efforts of detectives, Barry’s case yielded no arrests. As days turned into weeks, and weeks into years, his murder joined a long list of unsolved cases in the region. There were no public vigils or media campaigns from family that were reported in the news, leaving Barry's story largely untold beyond the stark police appeals. The case file remained open, but active leads diminished, and the investigation transitioned into the difficult and often frustrating status of a cold case.

For law enforcement, a cold case is never a closed one. Investigators with the Illinois State Police periodically review old files, hoping that new technology, a fresh perspective, or a long-overdue tip might provide the breakthrough they need. Forensic evidence collected in 2007 could be re-examined with modern DNA techniques, and allegiances between individuals from that time may have shifted, making it possible for someone to finally come forward with what they know. The passage of time can sometimes be an ally in solving a crime, as guilt and changing circumstances can compel a person to speak up.

As of June 2021, the murder of Barry Marcel Lowery was still officially listed as an open and unsolved crime. His case remains a priority for investigators who hope to one day bring closure to his memory. The St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers continues to feature Barry's case, appealing to the public for any piece of information that could help identify his killer. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for anonymous information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Investigators urge anyone with knowledge about the murder of Barry Marcel Lowery to contact the Illinois State Police, Zone 6 Investigations at (618) 346-3782. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers hotline at (866) 371-TIPS (8477). Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant detail could be the key to unlocking this case and finally securing justice for Barry.