‘He never left the garage alive.’ Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial resumes with police testimony

News 12 was in the courtroom for Day 2 in the trial of a Town of Wallkill man accused of hiring a hitman to kill his neighbor.

The court heard testimony in the case against 25-year-old Enoch Lowe that was noticeably difficult for both jurors and the victim’s family to hear.

It told of a gruesome, bloody scene inside the victim’s garage – minutes after Jeffery Harris, 53, was stabbed in the neck and body on his Town of Wallkill property in 2022.

"He never left his garage alive," said Senior Orange County Assistant District Attorney Chris Borek during court.

Lowe is accused of orchestrating the murder-for-hire and paying a hitman, 24-year-old Damante Stansberry.

Lowe is on trial for murder, attempted murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy.

Prosecutors say he paid Stansberry, a high school friend, $15,000 and gave him cannabis to carry out the crime.

Town of Wallkill Police Officer Isacc Vasquez and a State Police Investigator Jesse Fadis testified that the victim was found face up in a pool of blood inside his garage on Brookline Avenue.

Vasquez said that the victim’s wife was heard screaming for help when he first arrived.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Opening statements begin in Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial

The court was shown photos of the crime scene and a man in the audience started crying.

Lowe is accused of being a lookout during the fatal stabbing and authorities say the killing was the result of a longtime neighbor dispute.

Prosecutors say Lowe gave his alleged accomplice the mask and gloves worn during the crime and used a code word by phone to signal when the victim was alone.

So far, it’s not clear if Lowe plans to testify. His family was also in court. Lowe could face life without the possibility of parole if he’s found guilty.

His alleged accomplice already pleaded guilty and is expected to testify against Lowe during the trial.