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AMERICAN FORK — Co-workers, customers and friends were raising money Monday for a woman critically injured in a shooting at an American Fork convenience store on Christmas Eve, as police continued to look for her estranged husband.
The woman, Tina Marie Lowe, remained in the hospital in critical condition, American Fork Police Lt. Gregg Ludlow said.
The Fast Gas convenience store, 312 NW State Road, reopened Monday morning for the first time since the shooting.
Workers were beside themselves over what happened.
“When my boss first told me about it, I didn’t believe her,” cashier Steph Taylor said.
Co-workers said Lowe became “like a sister” to them and an instant friend.
“Our customers, when they came in and heard about this – it devastated not only our little family here at the gas station, but a lot of our customers,” said Kristie York, a cashier and friend to Lowe. “Her poor family and her kids are just so upset and heartbroken over this, and obviously so are we.”
York said Lowe had only become separated from her husband two weeks prior to the shooting.
Detectives on Saturday identified the estranged husband, Michael Darrin Lowe, as a suspect.
Investigators said they had uncovered an “ongoing history” of domestic violence-related incidents that had not been reported to police.
“She didn’t deserve this at all,” York said.
Though Lehi Police located the man’s abandoned vehicle later in the day Saturday, Michael Lowe remained at large Monday and police said he was considered armed and dangerous.
Co-workers set up a donation jar for Tina Lowe Monday morning, and customers dropped off cash throughout the day.
“I pray for her to have a quick recovery, just pray that she can find peace,” said Mandy Draney, who had interacted regularly with Tina Lowe.
Taylor said people could make donations at any of the nine Fast Gas locations.
“We want her family to know that we really care about her,” Taylor said.
