Recordpub.com - Beaten man in critical condition: Sheriff identifies victim as Richard Lowther, 68, of Rootstown

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Beaten man in critical condition: Sheriff identifies victim as Richard Lowther, 68, of Rootstown

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Matt Fredmonsky

July 8, 2009

Darrel Dukes - Charged with complicity to murder

Jonathan Dukes — Charged with murder

Jodi Fetty - Charged with complicity to murder

Cortez Oliver — Charged with murder

By Matt Fredmonsky

Record-Courier staff writer

A Rootstown man remains in critical condition and could be paralyzed following an attack and robbery at his Tallmadge Road home last week.

Authorities identified Richard Lowther, 68, of 2954 Tallmadge Road, as the man whom four people are accused of beating at his home Thursday and robbing him of a coin collection.

Portage County Sheriff David Doak released Lowther’s name Tuesday. Lowther’s identification came one day after separate, $350,000 bonds were set for the four people accused of luring him out of his home and attacking him.

Doak said his department is maintaining contact with Lowther’s son, who indicated to authorities Lowther was paralyzed from the chest down as a result of his injuries sustained early Thursday morning.

Portage County Sheriff’s Lt. Greg Johnson said Lowther’s son told investigators he is in critical condition and on a ventilator at Akron City Hospital.

“He said his dad has stabilized and they’re hoping he’s going to improve,” Johnson said.

Authorities believe Jodi Fetty, 27, of 3647 McClintocksburg Road, Diamond, knocked on Lowther’s door at 2:30 a.m. Thursday claiming she had car trouble. She asked to use his phone. Lowther lives alone.

While she used the phone, Jonathan Dukes, 23, of 3865 Blake Ave., Ravenna, and Cortez M. Oliver, 20, of Fairlawn, appeared on Lowther’s porch. He ventured outside to see who the men were and they attacked him, according to police.

The attackers then entered Lowther’s home and took a collection of state commemorative quarters before fleeing in a car driven by Dukes’ brother, 21-year-old Darrell Dukes of 3075 S.R. 59, Ravenna.

All four people charged in the burglary were arraigned Monday on aggravated burglary charges, all of which are first-degree felonies. Authorities expect additional charges will be filed after the case is presented to a Portage County grand jury Thursday.

The suspects were arrested when they attempted to turn in 740 of the commemorative quarters — a total $185 — at the Ravenna Giant Eagle store.

Johnson said the burglars may have gotten more than the 740 quarters they attempted to cash in.

“This elderly gentleman is now in the hospital, possibly paralyzed, for 740 quarters,” Johnson said.

Comments

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40.	Posted by Old Ma July 13, 2009
	Hangemhigh, Please tell if there is any news from the hospital. I worry and pray for this man constantly. Old Ma

39.	Posted by rovrcoach July 11, 2009
	Richard Lowther Medical Fund is now in place at Key Bank locations

38.	Posted by the24aboyz July 10, 2009
	)()()()()()()()()(NEWS FLASH)()()()()()()()()()()( DARRELL DUKES OR IN DA HOOD "DD DUKES" WAS JUST INDICTED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF TRAFFICKING IN CRACK COCAINE!!! YOU GOTTA LOVE THAT, OUT SLINGIN CRACK ROCKS TO UNDERCOVER AGENTS THEN GO AND STOMP A OLD MAN FOR SOME POCKET CHANGE!!! WHAT A FREAKIN THUG ASS LOSER, TO BAD HE DIDNT SWALLOW A FEW ROCKS...

37.	Posted by YankieBlue July 10, 2009
	I think I knew Mr. Lowthers a few years back when he worked at KSU. He was a nice guy. I thought he would be more suspicious about opening his door at 2:30am. "My car is broken down" is the oldest robbery tricks on the books. If someone knocks on your door like that, tell them you will call them a tow truck or for help. but DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR and going outside is a very bad move and Mr. Lowther found out the hard way. Those punks from Ravenna are animals. Good luck to mr. lowther.

36.	Posted by whydoicare July 9, 2009
	What a hideous group of monsters...especially the woman. I'm sure their parents are proud!

35.	Posted by Nanny_Society July 9, 2009
	Fetchin' up translates to education.

34.	Posted by sherri7352 July 9, 2009
	What is fetchin' up?

33.	Posted by sherri7352 July 9, 2009
	Oh my.. I have to say, you people are entertaining. I am sorry to hear that Mr. Lowther isn't doing well. I pray that he and his family will survive this awful ordeal. cquinn, thanks for your answer. I didn't miss the point of what you said. You did not offend me about the your redneck comment. But I found it to be no different then the "racial" statements in which you were referencing. Either way, it does not really matter. I have seen on many posts between this blog and others, where people are asking if there is a fund of some sort or anything people can do for the family. Do you know of anything? If so please share.

32.	Posted by Nanny_Society July 9, 2009
	Please don't talk like you ain't got no fetchin' up!

31.	Posted by towgod July 9, 2009
	im not just blaming ravenna for its slow decline of proper grammar and clean streets over the years,im blaming all the surrounding areas and even parts of rootstown, trash migrates everywhere, and theres some of us loyal heat packin americans who love this country were in and the neighbors we all have, i will protect mine and my neighbors rootstown is a great place to live.and i will protect it the best way i know how and see fit. even if it means (taking out the trash) and not just to the curb, too many people in this world see a wrong and ..omg dont get envolved. well let your nuts drop and do something. god bless mr lowther, thoughts and prayers from my family to yours

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