On September 25, 2024, at about 12:28 a.m. Alaska State Troopers and Seward police found 51-year-old Seward resident Billie Cubley unconscious near Balmat Street and Old Nash Road with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Officers provided first aid and transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Two adult males were detained at the scene, including 55-year-old Seward resident Danny Lowry Jr., from whom a firearm was recovered. While officers were attending to Cubley, Lowry fled on foot and was the subject of a multiagency manhunt; he was not immediately located. Preliminary Alaska Bureau of Investigation findings suggested Cubley may have been struck by a bullet while Lowry was attempting to disarm her after she threatened to shoot herself. An arrest warrant for fourth-degree escape was requested, and on October 1 a public tip led to Lowry’s detention for questioning and referral of one count of fourth-degree escape to the District Attorney’s Office.

The family of Billie Cubley has been left with sudden expenses; a fundraiser was organized to pay for cremation, travel for immediate family, and a memorial service. If anyone has information about what happened that night or knew Billie, please come forward.