Man accused of killing mother of 6 turns himself in

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police say a man wanted for murdering his wife inside their home on Medlock Park Drive turned himself in Saturday afternoon.

Gwinnett County police were there in Snellville investigating the murder Thursday night after a 12-year-old boy found his mother's body.

"The crime probably occurred between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.," Gwinnett County police Cpl. Michele Pihera, said.

Officers said they received a call from the 12-year-old who said his mother was dead.

The victim's son told detectives he was outside playing and saw his stepfather drive off around 9 p.m.

Police said the boy then went inside and found the mother of six dead from one gunshot wound in the master bedroom of the home.

“The child was not at the home when the shooting took place,” said police.

The victim was identified as Erica Powell, 46, and the suspect has been identified as Walter J. Lowe, 51, who was the victim's husband and the boy's stepfather.

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Authorities told Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach that they don't know yet what led up to the murder, but think the woman was shot during a domestic disturbance.

“They do have a domestic violence history,” an officer told Gehlbach.

It’s not the first time Lowe has been accused of family violence.

A police report documented an incident two years ago at the home where Lowe was charged with battery and terroristic threats against Erica in front of two of her sons, including the then 10-year-old boy.

Cox Media Group