Trial opening for assistant accused of killing NYC punk pioneer-turned-real estate powerhouse
By APMonday, January 25, 2010
NYC trial due to open in punk pioneer’s slaying
NEW YORK — A personal assistant is going on trial in the bloody killing of her boss, a New York real estate powerhouse with punk-rock roots.
Opening arguments are expected Monday in the Manhattan murder case against Natavia Lowery. Prosecutors say she stole more than $30,000 from Linda Stein and then clubbed her to death with a piece of exercise equipment to silence her.
Lowery denies the charges. Her lawyers say police browbeat her into confessing to the October 2007 killing by questioning her for hours.
The 28-year-old Lowery faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Stein co-managed influential punk rockers the Ramones before turning to real estate. Her clients included Madonna, Sting and other entertainers.
