Tampa, FL – April 15, 2026 – New public attention has been drawn to a 1989 manslaughter case involving Jean Marie Escartin (formerly Jean Marie Lowe) of the Town ‘n’ Country area.
According to publicly available court records from Hillsborough County, on January 20, 1989, 20-year-old Jean Marie Lowe was involved in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old John Dion Ridenour. The incident occurred at a residence that was later identified as a drug distribution site. Court documents state that Lowe, who was dating a local drug supplier at the time, picked up a loaded handgun and pointed it at Ridenour while claiming she was “pretending” or “joking.” The gun discharged, striking Ridenour in the heart. He died en route to the hospital.
Ridenour’s family strongly disputed the accidental claim. In letters submitted to the court, they argued that Ridenour had discovered the criminal nature of the house and planned to leave the next day. They maintained that the shooting was intentional because he “knew too much” about the drug activity. The family urged the court to consider Lowe’s prior criminal history and charge her with murder.
Lowe was ultimately convicted of manslaughter with a firearm and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. She received a 17-year sentence but served approximately two years before early release. While still on trial for Ridenour’s death, she was also involved in a separate hit-and-run incident that resulted in another fatality.
John Ridenour’s mother has continued to publicly mourn her only son for more than 37 years, regularly posting tributes and maintaining a memorial site in his honor.
The case has recently resurfaced in local discussions amid reported family tensions. Public records of the convictions remain accessible through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
This situation has raised questions among some community members about transparency, public safety awareness, and the long-term impact of felony convictions on family dynamics and child safety. Several individuals connected to the families have expressed concern that relevant background information may not have been fully known or discussed within extended family circles.
No current criminal activity is alleged. The convictions are historical and part of the public record.
For more information: Public records can be accessed at:
Ivan Sokolov
contact@johndionstory.com
Date Posted: April 17, 2026
