On September 25, 2024, at approximately 12:28 a.m., Alaska State Troopers and the Seward Police Department responded to reports of an unconscious woman, later identified as 51-year-old Seward resident Billie Cubley, near Balmat Street and Old Nash Road in Seward. Upon arrival, officers found Cubley with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and provided emergency first aid before transporting her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
At the scene, two adult males were detained,
including 55-year-old Seward resident Danny Lowry Jr. A firearm was recovered from Lowry during his detention. While officers were attending to Cubley, Lowry fled the area on foot, prompting a coordinated manhunt involving multiple SWAT teams and local law enforcement. Despite exhaustive search efforts, Lowry was not immediately located.
Preliminary investigations by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation suggested that Cubley was likely struck by the bullet while Lowry was attempting to disarm her after she threatened to shoot herself. An arrest warrant for fourth-degree escape was requested for Lowry. On October 1, 2024, a public tip led to Lowry's detention for questioning, and charges for one count of fourth-degree escape were referred to the District Attorney's Office.
In the aftermath of Cubley's death, her family faced the sudden loss and associated expenses. A fundraiser was organized to cover her cremation, travel costs for immediate family, and a memorial service. The community was encouraged to support the family during this difficult time.
