Grafton Victim Whitney Fowler Warned Of Husband’s Abuse

Whitney Fowler was attempting to flee what friends and family members describe as a protracted and hazardous pattern of domestic violence in the days leading up to her untimely death.

Whitney and Joshua Fowler.

As previously reported by the Daily Voice, on Wednesday evening, June 18, Fowler, 27, was one of three individuals shot and killed at a residence in Grafton, Rensselaer County.

According to New York State Police, her husband, 26-year-old Joshua Fowler, is currently facing murder charges after allegedly shooting Whitney, his father, Wilson Fowler, 55, and his step-grandmother, Anita Krandle, 69, before allegedly wishing that police would kill him in a suicide by cop scenario.

Those close to Whitney are now asking to know why more wasn’t done to safeguard her as the town struggles with the triple killing.

According to a heartfelt Facebook post by friend Alexa Moak, she had plans to assist herself leave him. She had goals and money saved up.

Whitney had publicly identified as a survivor of marital violence and, according to her acquaintances, worked as a personal care assistant and loving godmother at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley. She encouraged people in similar circumstances to get help in a Facebook post she made just one month prior to her death.

She said, “Please get in touch with me if any of my friends are in that situation.” I was by myself when I went through it, and I almost died. I understand that leaving can be frightening, but please, don’t give them any more authority over you!

Whitney told the Daily Voice that Robert Bertram, who wasn’t her actual father but whom she called “dad,” A year prior to the murders, Joshua Fowler had threatened a similar shooting scenario, albeit with a somewhat different conclusion.

He asked why Fowler was still able to obtain firearms in spite of New York’s so-called Red Flag rule. Wilson Fowler, the murder victim and father of Joshua Fowler, lawfully acquired the long gun used in the crimes, according to a previous statement from New York State Police.

What made her death necessary? Bertram told the Daily Voice. He has contacted the New York State Police and offered to give them Whitney Fowle’s cell phone, which he says has more incriminating material on it.

“I’m sure she took screenshots,” he stated.

In a harsh social media post, friend Heather Wallace shared those frustrations: Domestic violence does exist. You were never deserved by your hubby. Anyone who had ever known you well was aware of the anguish and suffering you were going through.

Although no arrests were made during those visits, New York State Police acknowledged that troopers had previously responded to domestic violence reports at the house as early as 2018.

Whitney herself reported an incident with Joshua to 911 on the day of the shooting. Gunshots rang out and the line went silent while she was speaking with dispatchers on the phone. When the police got there, they discovered that she had been shot dead outside the house.

Joshua Fowler then attempted to incite a cop from the New York State Police to commit suicide by engaging in a brief confrontation with authorities. Instead, the man was taken into custody by troopers using a TASER device. He faces several murder charges and other offenses, and he is still being held at the Rensselaer County jail without being granted bail.

Several years before to the murders, Joshua Fowler posted a video on Facebook with the subject “When her ex misses her, but she’s mine now,” along with the caption, “Mine now and will be forever.”

Whitney’s family members say they are committed to preserving her story as someone who attempted to escape as well as a victim of violence.

You were worthy of better. Wallace added that justice will be done in one way or another. We’ll tell your story.

There is assistance available if you or someone you know is being abused at home. For confidential support around-the-clock, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org.