Trial Ordered For Felon Accused Of Trying To Kill Ex-Girlfriend In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A convicted felon accused of trying to strangle his ex-girlfriend at the woman's house south of Riverside, as well as assaulting her friend before the woman defended herself, must stand trial for attempted murder and other offenses, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Curtis DeShawn Lowe, 39, of Los Angeles was arrested last month following a Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigation.

At the end of a preliminary hearing Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Jennifer Gerard found there was sufficient evidence to bound Lowe over for trial on the attempted murder count, along with domestic violence resulting in great bodily injury, assault resulting in great bodily injury, child endangerment and violation of a domestic violence restraining order.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Aug. 26 at the Riverside Hall of Justice and ordered the defendant to remain held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Patrick Montalvo, shortly after 2 a.m. on July 24, Lowe went to his ex-girlfriend's home in the 16000 block of Angel Canyon Drive, near Valley Spring Drive, in Lake Hills to confront her over unspecified conflicts, culminating in an attack.

Montalvo alleged Lowe struck and choked the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, prompting the woman's friend, also not identified, to intervene.

"The second victim was also attacked by Lowe," Montalvo said. "During this attack, the victim defended herself, causing injury to Lowe."

The defendant retreated but remained at the location as the victims called 911, according to the sergeant. He said patrol deputies reached the home minutes later and discovered all the parties in need of medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.

They were taken to a Riverside hospital, where the women were treated and released the same day, while Lowe received treatment prior to being booked into jail.

There was a child at the property when the attack occurred, but the minor, whose identity wasn't released, did not suffer any injuries, authorities said.

Lowe has a prior strike felony conviction in another jurisdiction that was not listed in court records.