John Lowden

John Lowden was a distinguished former sergeant first class and member of the Special Forces in the United States Army, completing five deployments in Afghanistan. His military career was marked by valor and dedication, but he ultimately retired due to the profound effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lowden's life was also intertwined with a complex family history; he was the son of Sally McNeil, a bodybuilder who gained notoriety after being convicted of the second-degree murder of her husband, Ray McNeil. The high-profile trial, which captured media attention, featured Sally's claims of self-defense during the shooting.

In 2022, Lowden gained further public recognition by participating in the Netflix documentary mini-series, *Killer Sally*, which delved into the lives of both him and his mother, as well as the events surrounding the trial. During this series, he courageously shared his experiences of childhood abuse at the hands of Ray, shedding light on the darker aspects of his upbringing.

Tragically, on March 4, 2024, Lowden was shot and killed in Augusta, Georgia, where he was facing homelessness and the ongoing challenges of his mental health. The suspect, Robert Ward, was apprehended three days later and charged with murder. Lowden’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many veterans and the lasting impact of trauma.