Lowery sentencing slated for today

After her March 22 sentencing was postponed, Natavia Lowery, the convicted killer of New York City broker to the stars Linda Stein, is slated to be sentenced today. After her February conviction, Lowery’s original sentencing date was postponed due to her stepfather’s courtroom outburst over the judge’s refusal to permit a change of counsel. Lowery had confessed to the 2007 killing, but later recanted her statement, claiming she was coerced. The murder took place after an alleged confrontation between Stein and Lowery, Stein’s assistant, after the broker discovered evidence that Lowery was stealing from her. Lowery beat Stein to death with a yoga stick inside the broker’s penthouse apartment at 965 Fifth Avenue between 77th and 78th streets, investigators say. Lowery faces up to life in prison for second-degree murder, identity theft, forgery and 21 counts of grand larceny. [AP]