Sheridan, Wyo. — Genevieve Lowery has decided to withdraw her lawsuit against local law enforcement following the tragic death of her brother, William Lowery, who was shot and killed by police last year. She announced her decision to Cowboy State Daily, emphasizing that her legal pursuit was never about financial compensation but rather about obtaining clarity regarding her brother’s death.
Genevieve initiated legal action against Sheridan Police Chief Travis Koltiska, former Casper Police Officer Michael Chand, and other unnamed officers to access details about the events surrounding William’s fatal encounter with law enforcement on February 14, 2024. Her concerns centered on the belief that the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Sheridan Police Department had been withholding crucial information from her family.
After filing the lawsuit in federal court, the DCI eventually provided Genevieve with a report detailing the standoff and the circumstances leading to her brother’s death. However, while the report answered some of her questions, it also deepened her sorrow. The absence of body camera footage of the incident added to her distress.
The incident unfolded after William had barricaded himself in a Sheridan residence for over a day, during which he reportedly fired shots at officers. In the ensuing standoff, law enforcement used tear gas and heavy machinery to breach the barricaded home, leading to a chaotic scene. Genevieve described how she and her mother hurriedly traveled to Sheridan but struggled to arrive before the tragic conclusion of the confrontation.
Reflecting on her journey, Genevieve expressed the emotional weight of her brother’s death, highlighting their close relationship throughout their childhood. She now works in Nebraska as a specialized probation officer and has been taken aback by the hostility and threats directed at her since the incident, urging the public to understand that such tragedies can impact anyone.
Despite her disappointment with the circumstances that led her to file a lawsuit, Genevieve’s main aim was to understand what happened to William. She insists that the family’s intention is not to exploit the situation for financial gain but to seek answers about their loved one. The legal action ultimately revealed some insights, leading her to believe it is appropriate to dismiss the lawsuit.
The ongoing investigation into the events surrounding the shooting has prompted discussions on accountability within law enforcement. Genevieve’s attorney, Doug Bailey, noted that their focus was on uncovering the full story, illustrating the difficulty families face in these types of situations.
Genevieve is now focused on retrieving a journal referenced in the DCI report, which allegedly contained troubling writings related to gun ownership and violence. This journal, found during the investigation of William’s residence, could shed further light on his state of mind leading up to the incident.
As the community continues to process the aftermath of this tragic event, Genevieve hopes that her family’s pursuit of understanding will foster empathy rather than animosity. She expressed her condolences for the families of all individuals involved, emphasizing the profound human impact of such tragic encounters.