British Photojournalist Allegedly Murdered By His Own Son

Renowned photojournalist Paul Lowe was tragically killed during a hike, leaving many to question the events leading to his untimely death.

At a Glance

Paul Lowe, a British photojournalist, was killed in the San Gabriel Mountains.
His 19-year-old son, Emir Abadzic Lowe, has been charged with the murder.
The stabbing occurred on October 12, 2024.
Lowe was noted for covering major historical events, including the fall of Yugoslavia.

The Incident

Paul Lowe, an award-winning British photojournalist, was fatally stabbed during a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. His 19-year-old son, Emir Abadzic Lowe, has been charged with the murder. The tragic event took place on October 12, 2024. Lowe suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck, leading to his death.

Emir Lowe allegedly fled the scene in a car, but he crashed a few miles away and was subsequently taken into custody. He is being held at Los Angeles County Jail on a $2 million bond and is expected to appear in court. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed a murder charge against him, with an arraignment scheduled.

Paul Lowe, an award-winning British photojournalist, was killed in a stabbing near Los Angeles on Saturday, and his 19-year-old son was arrested, the authorities said. Lowe, who was 60, earned acclaim for documenting the siege of Sarajevo. https://t.co/FX1wSBvyps

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 16, 2024

Paul Lowe’s Legacy

Paul Lowe was renowned for his work covering significant world events, including the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Nelson Mandela’s release. He was also a professor at the University of the Arts London, specializing in conflict, peace, and the image. Lowe authored several books, enriching the field of photojournalism with titles such as “Bosnians” and “Understanding Photojournalism.”

“We lost more than a photographer when #PaulLowe passed away. We lost a witness to our history, a storyteller who showed the world the truths that many wished to ignore,” Ika Ferrer Gotić said in an X post.

Colleagues and the broader photojournalism community have expressed shock and paid tribute to his contributions and legacy. Lowe’s work focused on the human impact of war, particularly during the siege of Sarajevo, capturing poignant moments that appeared in major publications such as Time, Newsweek, and The Observer.

Family Tragedy

Emir Lowe had a history of mental health issues, having been hospitalized for psychosis multiple times in the past year. Originally, Emir’s trip to the U.S. was intended to be brief, but he had not returned after over two months. Paul Lowe traveled to California to persuade his son to return home, a journey that would end in tragedy.

This incident has prompted profound grief and reflection on Lowe’s life and the impact of his work. Colleagues and institutions like King’s College London expressed deep sadness at his passing, highlighting his contributions to photojournalism and war studies. Lowe was also involved with The VII Foundation, supporting underrepresented journalists, underscoring his commitment to nurturing talent in his field.