Salt Lake City, Utah – In a courtroom in Salt Lake City, the man responsible for the tragic death of University of Utah football player Aaron Lowe faced his sentencing, potentially facing a lifetime behind bars. Last month, Buk Mawut Buk pleaded guilty to the murder of Lowe and the attempted murder of another individual during a house party in Salt Lake City on September 26, 2021.
During the sentencing, Buk expressed remorse and apologized to the family of Aaron Lowe, acknowledging his actions and expressing a sense of growth and realization since the time of the incident. Judge Paul Parker handed down two consecutive sentences to Buk, one for 15 years to life for Lowe’s murder and the other for 3 years to life for the attempted murder.
Prior to pleading guilty, Buk was facing a trial on multiple felony charges stemming from the violent events that unfolded at the house party. Reports indicated that an argument escalated, leading to Buk firing his weapon at both Lowe and another woman who were lying on the ground. Tragically, Aaron Lowe succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
In a poignant moment during the sentencing, Lowe’s parents delivered impactful victim impact statements, expressing the pain and devastation caused by the loss of their son. While Darwin, Lowe’s father, shared his forgiveness towards Buk, Donna Stern, Lowe’s mother, revealed the deep anguish and lack of forgiveness she currently feels.
Before the sentencing proceedings could fully commence, a disturbance caused by a family member of Buk momentarily disrupted the courtroom, leading to a brief recess. The individual was subsequently arrested for contempt of court.
Aaron Lowe’s untimely death marked another heartbreaking loss for the University of Utah football community, following the passing of his teammate Ty Jordan less than a year prior. The impact of these tragedies has reverberated throughout the team and the Salt Lake City community at large.