Richardson man tells jurors girlfriend's death was an accident

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Collin County prosecutors will question a Richardson man Tuesday about the murder of his girlfriend.

Jason Lowe, 28, took the stand in his own defense Monday. He told jurors 27-year-old Jessie Bardwell’s death was an accident.

He claimed they took drugs and she hit her head while they were showering together. She seemed dizzy after so they decided to take a nap, but she never woke up.

He admitted taking her body to a remote field in Farmersville and using her cellphone to text her family after she died. When asked why he didn’t call for help he tearfully said he was scared.

Bardwell’s body was found 10 days after her family reported her missing in May of 2016. Police arrested and charged Lowe with murder even before her body was located.

According to the arrest warrant affidavits, detectives found blood evidence on Lowe’s SUV – on the front and back bumper, lift gate, driver’s side door handle, steering wheel, gear selector and back seat. They also found guns and ammunition.

Lowe will return to the stand Tuesday so that prosecutors can ask him questions about what happened.

He faces up to life in prison if convicted. He could also get probation.