Manhunt continues for handcuffed man after he fled scene of fatal shooting

SEWARD, Alaska (KTUU) - Alaska State Troopers are still looking for a man in Seward who they say is not currently a murder suspect, but was present when a woman was shot and killed early Wednesday morning.

Austin McDaniel, spokesperson for Alaska State Troopers, told Alaska’s News Source on Thursday that 55-year-old Danny Lowry Jr. was in handcuffs at a home in Seward when he escaped without officers noticing.

McDaniel said first responders were focused on caring for 51-year-old Billie Cubley, a Seward woman who troopers say was shot while Lowry was trying to take a gun away from her, following threats from her that she was going to kill herself.

“We didn’t see Danny [Lowry] leave, because the law enforcement officers were focused on trying to save the female’s life. That was their primary focus at that moment in time,” McDaniel said in an interview.

Authorities initially told the public that Lowry was a “person of interest” in the Seward area, and asked the public to contact them if he was seen.

One day after Lowry fled, he still hasn’t been found.

Troopers said they initially responded to a home near Balmat Street and Old Nash Road around 12:30 a.m. to find Cubley unconscious after being shot in the abdomen.

Lowry and one other man were at the scene when officers arrived, both were handcuffed and detained in an open area. The second man remained at the scene, and has been released.

Officers said Lowry had a gun, but the firearm was taken from him before he escaped.

Authorities said Cubley was later declared dead at a Seward hospital.

After Lowry’s escape law enforcement activated the southern and southcentral SWAT teams, and began a coordinated manhunt involving other Kenai Peninsula law enforcement.

“We are not looking at this point as Danny as a suspect in a murder in any way,” McDaniel said. “We are looking to speak with him about what occurred that day, as well as address why he ran after being detained by the Alaska State Troopers.”

Based on a preliminary investigation, troopers said they believe Cubley may have threatened to shoot herself and was hit by a bullet when the gun went off while Lowry attempted to take the gun.

“They’ve determined that this was likely an accidental shooting was not a intentional murder,” McDaniel said.

The Alaska Bureau of Investigations hasn’t concluded its investigation.

Search teams are still working to find Lowry, now expanding the search outside of the Seward area.

Troopers say Lowry was last seen near Balmat Street and Old Nash Road wearing a dark-colored hooded jacket.

If you see Lowry, troopers say do not approach him, and call 911.

Anyone with information on his potential location can call troopers at (907) 262-4453, or you can remain anonymous, by submitting a tip through the AKTips smartphone app or online.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.