Verdict On Wallkill Resident Who Hired Hitman To Kill Neighbor: DA

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — A Wallkill 25-year-old who hired someone to murder his next-door neighbor and acted as lookout for the killer was found guilty Thursday by a jury in Orange County Court, District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced.

Enoch Lowe was convicted on all charges against him, including Murder in the First Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Conspiracy in the Second Degree.

His neighbor, 53, was found dead in his garage on Oct. 30, 2022.

Prosecutors said Lowe hired Damante T. Stansberry, 24, of Middletown, to kill Jeffrey Harris, with whom Lowe had long-standing animosity. At the trial prosecutors said that Lowe promised Stansberry $15,000 to commit the murder and also acted as a lookout, informing Stansberry as to when the victim was alone, outside, and vulnerable to being attacked.

Stansberry arrived at the house and repeatedly stabbed the man, who was repairing a fence in his backyard. Prosecutors said Lowe sent text messages to Stansberry immediately before Stansberry left to commit the murder, and spoke to Stansberry using a cellphone as soon as Stansberry returned from committing the murder.

The United States Secret Service was in on the investigation, which was conducted by the Town of Wallkill Police Department, also assisted by the New York State Police, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Lowe was arrested almost a year later, on Oct. 10, 2023.

"Despite this defendant’s best efforts to avoid responsibility for his heinous crimes, a jury of his peers has rightfully returned the only verdict consistent with the facts and law, that he is guilty,” said Hoovler. “My condolences remain with the victim’s family and friends and I hope that this verdict can offer them a sense of closure. I commend the incredible work done by the Town of Wallkill Police Department, all the agencies that aided them, and the skilled prosecutors who saw the case through to the verdict that ensured justice was served.”

Lowe was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the jury’s verdict.

He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18.

Stansberry pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree March 30 in connection with the death. Stansberry is awaiting sentencing.

“We thank our partners in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI for their unwavering support during the investigation and subsequent prosecution of this horrific crime,” said Town of Wallkill Police Chief Robert Herman.