Kim Towne’s life was meant to be one of hope, adventure, and love. Born and raised in Parklands, Cape Town, the 32-year-old teacher chased her dreams across the globe, eventually finding herself in Dubai. That’s where she met Alexander Towne—a U.S. military man who swept her off her feet. What started as a whirlwind romance ended in devastating tragedy.
Her brother, Jason White, remembers when things began to change.
“Kim was in love, but we saw signs something wasn’t right. She thought marriage would help,” Jason said. They tied the knot in December 2021 after Kim became pregnant—necessary in Dubai where having a child out of wedlock is not tolerated.
Soon after, they moved to South Africa, and then Alexander returned to the U.S. to help Kim secure her visa. “When he was in Cape Town, he seemed so gentle,” Jason said. “But we later learned he was a different man behind closed doors.”
Despite growing up in an abusive household and knowing the red flags, Kim stayed—for her son. “She would call us in tears, hiding in the bathroom while he raged. We told her to come home. But she still believed in him,” Jason said.
Eventually, Kim did leave, moving in with her aunt. She told her mother she couldn’t take it anymore and planned to divorce Alexander. But she gave it one last shot—for the sake of their child.
That decision would cost her life.
On May 25, in their new home in Chantilly, West Virginia, Alexander allegedly strangled Kim during an argument. He called 911 himself. “I don’t think she’s with us any longer,” he said.
Kim was found dead with signs of trauma to her upper body. Their toddler was reportedly in another room during the incident.
Alexander Towne, also 32, is now facing a second-degree murder charge and is being held without bail. According to court documents, he worked as an analyst with the Defense Health Agency and received veterans’ disability payments.
Neighbours were shocked. “They seemed like a happy couple,” said Waheed Muhammad. “I had no idea anything was wrong.”
For her brother, Jason, the grief is consuming. “She was my twin in spirit. Everyone loved Kim. She lit up every room she walked into.”
As the family waits for autopsy results and prepares to bring her body home, Jason finds strength in the outpouring of love online.
“She deserved so much better. She just wanted to be loved.”