HUNTINGTON -- A woman who witnessed her husband's shooting death now faces a federal drug charge unrelated to the homicide.

A criminal information filed Friday, Aug. 6, in U.S. District Court charges Terri Lynette Burns with aiding and abetting the distribution of at least 5 grams of crack cocaine. It alleges the incident took place May 6, 2009, in Huntington. It involved at least 5 grams of crack, which is equivalent to 0.17 of an ounce.

Burns, now known as Terri Lowry, was unaware of the federal charge when contacted by The Herald-Dispatch and maintained her innocence in regard to the federal charge.

Terri Lowry confirmed her address matched that listed in the federal case, although she was unaware that she had court-appointed counsel in Charleston attorney Sean W. Cook.

"I have spoken to the government on behalf of Ms. Burns, and we continue to engage in discussions," Cook said later Monday.

The filing of a criminal information typically indicates the prosecution and defense have come to an agreement, thus eliminating the need for a grand jury indictment.

Terri Lowry has repeatedly described her slain husband as a Godly man. On Monday afternoon, she credited him with turning her life around.

Mark Lowry died at a hospital after the July 27 shooting. It occurred about 7:30 p.m. in a parking lot at the 1600 block of 11th Avenue.

Terri Lowry contends he died from a gunshot fired as three unknown youths approached their vehicle. She has said they were parked there after making a wrong turn en route to dropping off her 19-year-old son at a friend's house.

Huntington Police Lt. John Williams has said investigators believe there to have been more interaction between the victims and the suspects. A 16-year-old has been detained in the case on unrelated charges. Williams said Monday investigators are waiting on forensic tests and hope to report substantial progress in the near future.

Terri Lowry said drugs played no part in her husband's death.

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