News

Actions

Neighbor: Accused gunman is ‘nice guy’

Posted at 7:09 PM, Jun 22, 2012
and last updated 2012-06-22 23:53:26-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR) - Folks in Chesterfield said they were shocked to learn one of their neighbors is accused of shooting at a Chesterfield lawyer.

Neighbors told CBS 6 News' Jon Burkett Friday that Mark Lowe did not spend much time at this house off Philray Road. They believe he worked in Washington, D.C. for the government.

Witnesses said the sounds of a peaceful summer afternoon in their neighborhood were briefly interrupted by a large police presence Thursday.

Officers searched the Lowe's home after they said he took a shot at family law attorney David Defazio outside of his Courthouse Road office building.

Police confirmed Defazio was the intended target.

"He got out, said my name and raised a rifle, so I took off," Defazio told Burkett Thursday. [INTERVIEW: Attorney targeted by gunman recounts harrowing ordeal]

Police said Lowe was upset over a custody hearing that recently took place. Defazio, Lowe's estranged wife's attorney, said cannot comment on the specifics of the case, but that a ruling was coming soon.

Because of that news, Lowe is accused of reacting with revenge and was charged with attempted murder. Bond for the suspect was denied Friday morning.

A next door neighbor said he knew there was a custody battle under way, but had no idea things were so heated.

"He was a nice guy," said the man, who wanted to remain anonymous. "He didn't have much to say, [but] we talked openly about him getting custody of his daughter, so I wished him luck."

Police sources said an off-duty Capitol Police officer and plain clothed Chesterfield lieutenant confronted an armed Lowe Thursday afternoon. They said he was begging the officers to shoot him. 

RELATED: