Albion man booked for imprisonment, mutilation

Whitman County sheriff’s deputies booked into jail Nathaniel B. Simon II, 54, Albion, Tuesday night on probable charges that he imprisoned, strangled and mutilated his live-in girlfriend, Debra Lowry, 46.

Deputies were called to Simon’s Albion home after receiving a call from Lowry Tuesday afternoon. Lowry reported she had been choked unconscious and had words carved into her chest. She also said she had been held hostage at the home since Friday, Sheriff Brett Myers told the Gazette Wednesday morning.

Deputies reported the words “Do not resuscitate” were carved into Lowry’s chest. Lowry told deputies she discovered the carving after regaining consciousness following the alleged strangulation Friday.

Sheriff Myers said Lowry told investigators Simon had threatened to kill her and then himself if she left. Deputies also struggled to unlock a padlock on a fenced area around the front door of Simon’s Albion trailer.

Lowry was given medical treatment. Undersheriff Ron Rockness said her injuries were not life-threatening.

Sheriff Myers said Lowry told them she left the house after Simon left Tuesday. She then ran to a nearby friend’s house and called authorities.

Simon was booked into jail Tuesday night on probable charges of first degree assault, second degree assault, felony harassment for allegedly threatening to kill Lowry and unlawful imprisonment.

Sheriff Myers said a search warrant turned up blood-stained pillows and clothing that had been laundered. Investigators also found blood-stained pillow cases in the kitchen sink, he said.