John Lowe murder
Farnham Dog Breeder John Lowe found guilty of murdering his partner, her daughter and three dogs at his farm in Tilford
Farnham resident John Leo Lowe has today been found guilty of two counts of murder following a trial at Guildford Crown Court.
Christine Lee murdered Tilford
Murdered: Christine Lee
The 82-year-old was found guilty of the murder his partner, 66-year-old Christine Lee, and her 41-year-old daughter Lucy Lee.
The bodies of the women, who died as a result of gunshot wounds, were discovered at his farm in Waverley Lane, Tilford, on the morning of Sunday, 23 February.
Lucy Lee murdered Tilford
Murdered: Lucy Lee
Officers had responded to reports that a firearm had been discharged at the property and found the bodies of the two women after making a search of the farm and its grounds.
Three German Shepherds and a Mastiff were also found dead at the property - all with gunshot wounds. A firearm was recovered from the scene where Lowe was arrested on suspicion of murder.
A full investigation was immediately launched by detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team.
The shootings took place at Lowe's farm, Keepers Cottage, from which he had run a dog and horse breeding business for many years. The two women had been helping him with the animals and had become dominant figures in Lowe's life.
However, the relationship between the three of them had deteriorated and arguments had taken place over money and the way the two women were taking care of Lowe and his animals.
Giving evidence in court, Lowe stated he never intended to kill Christine or Lucy but fired the gun accidentally at first one and then the other.
This version of events was strongly refuted by the prosecution who argued Lowe knew exactly what he was doing and the deliberate firing of a shotgun at his unarmed and defenceless victims could not be done without the intention either to kill or to cause serious harm.
During the case the jury were played a 999 emergency call from Lucy Lee in which she stated her mother had been shot by Lowe and she was afraid she would also be shot if she returned to the house.
"John Lowe will never pay for taking the innocent lives of my sister Christine and my niece Lucy Lee" said Julia James, sister of Christine Lee.
"Christine was mother, auntie and grandmother and was much loved. Christine and Lucy put the needs of others first, my sister had a heart of gold and was full of life. Lucy believed in protecting life and being kind to others.
"I witnessed on numerous occasions how caring Christine and Lucy had been towards Lowe. It has been heart-breaking listening to his lies. We thank the police and everyone involved in this case for their help.”
Lowe will be sentenced for two counts of murder and one count of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at Guildford Crown Court on Friday 31st October.
Related: Dog breeder denies shooting wife, step-daughter and four dogs
