Etowah officials oppose parole for convicted murderer

Sheriff Todd Entrekin

Etowah county Sheriff Todd Entrekin says he plans to travel to Montgomery Tuesday to speak in opposition for parole for Melanie Gray Lowery.  Lowery was charged with the muder of her husband Jackie Lowery who was a Hokes Bluff Minister.

Rather than facing the death penalty, Melanie Lowery pleaded guilty to a murder charge and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. If she serves all 30 years, she will be released in February 2021.

At past parole hearings, members of her family have said she agreed to serve 131⁄2 years when she entered the plea agreement, not 30 years.

However, Entrekin said the years she has served so far are not enough.

Past parole hearings for Melanie Lowery have drawn a large number of people from the Etowah County area — family members, community leaders, law enforcement and state officials. Entrekin said he expects that to be the case again this time.