Renowned British photojournalist Paul Lowe, known for his comprehensive coverage of conflict zones, was found fatally stabbed in the San Gabriel Mountains on October 12, 2024.
Authorities have charged his 19-year-old son, Emir Lowe, with murder following the tragic incident near Stoddard Canyon Falls on Mount Baldy Road.
According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the 60-year-old Lowe was discovered by officers responding to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. They found him suffering severe trauma to his upper torso and pronounced him dead at the scene. Records from the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner later confirmed that Lowe had sustained a fatal stab wound to the neck.
Witnesses reported seeing a “white male adult” leaving the scene in a vehicle. The suspect was involved in a solo car accident a short distance away, leading to his detention. He was identified as Lowe’s son, Emir, who has since been charged with one count of murder. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Emir’s charges. It stated that he is being held on a $2 million bond pending his court appearance on Wednesday at the West Covina Courthouse.
Paul Lowe, whose work brought the brutal realities of the Bosnian War to international attention, was a visiting professor in War Studies at King’s College London and a professor of Photojournalism at the University of the Arts London. He also taught at VII Academy, an institution dedicated to photojournalism in conflict zones.
His photos documenting the Siege of Sarajevo remain defining images of that period.
King’s College London shared a heartfelt statement in response to Lowe’s passing. It read:
“It is with deep sadness that we received the news of Professor Paul Lowe’s passing. Paul was a Visiting Professor in the Department of War Studies, a Professor of Photojournalism at the University of the Arts London, and an award-winning photojournalist with VII Academy. A friend, colleague, and collaborator whose work had a huge impact in shining a spotlight on the Siege of Sarajevo and addressing its legacy, we were privileged to work with him on several projects related to art and reconciliation. His boundless energy, warmth, creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm were contagious and uniquely inspiring. He will be deeply missed. We send our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.”
Lowe’s colleagues and friends also expressed their sorrow and disbelief. Lara Jo Regan, a fellow photojournalist, recalled the impact of his passion and kindness. Speaking to KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff, Regan shared how she met Lowe 24 years ago at the World Press Photo of the Year exhibition.
“We had some great, interesting, stimulating, and inspiring conversations about photography. I just think it’s the effect he had on many people, both students and colleagues. He had a real generosity of spirit,” Regan said.
She explained that Lowe had traveled to Southern California to handle family matters. They had arranged to meet, but she grew concerned after days passed without hearing from him. She recounted, “I went on Facebook, and I was going to DM him to see what was up. Then, the first thing that came up was news of his passing posted on his agency’s website in New York. I was beyond shocked. I’m still kind of shocked.”
The Embassy for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UK also mourned Lowe, referring to him as a “great artist” and honoring his contribution to documenting a painful chapter in Bosnian history.
