Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks has announced that 55-year-old David Abara has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the fatal stabbing of 35-year-old Randal Lowery.
Abara pleaded guilty to repeatedly stabbing Lowery in the face, neck, and arms before leaving him at Fisherman’s Park on June 7, 2023.
According to the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, Sparks Police were called to the Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway Path after someone reported a man lying in the dirt, surrounded by blood.
Investigators worked with Truckee Meadows Water Authority to review surveillance video showing Abara yelling at Lowery and then striking him. The footage appeared to show Lowery attempting to defend himself before collapsing to the ground bleeding, after being hit several times.
Officers from the Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (HOPE) team later contacted Abara in the area and detained him for questioning. Although he initially denied involvement, further investigation confirmed he was responsible for the stabbing, leading to his arrest.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Luke Prengaman praised Sparks Police for their work:
“This is a good example of patient and diligent police work paying off. SPD did not rush to judgment, but took the time to develop a solid case, which ultimately resulted in justice for the victim’s family and the just sentence imposed.”
Judge Kathleen Sigurdson presided over the case and imposed the life sentence, along with an additional 8–20 years for a deadly weapon enhancement.
OCTOBER 20, 2023
On Friday, Sparks Police Department (SPD) arrested 54-year-old Sparks resident David Eugene Abara as a suspect in a homicide that occurred on June 7.
Abara was located by SPD Detectives with the assistance of Nevada State Police Parole and Probation as he returned from a Parole hearing.
He is currently in custody at the Washoe County Jail on Open Murder charges.
The investigation revealed that the victim, 35-year-old Randal Lowery was killed during an altercation where he was stabbed.
Original Story, Jun 21:
The Washoe County coroner has identified the body found at Fisherman's Park on June 7.
The medical examiner said 35-year-old Randal Lowery was stabbed multiple times.
A homicide investigation remains ongoing after he was found dead around 1:30 a.m. at the south end of the park, near Galetti Way and Glendale Avenue.
If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.
A $5,000 reward is being offered.
