FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A Flagstaff man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a law enforcement incident that ended when a Department of Public Safety helicopter crashed, killing two.
The Coconino County Attorney’s Office filed a direct complaint charging 50-year-old Terrell Storey with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of pilot Robert Skankey and trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett.
Prosecutors allege the deaths occurred during a violent confrontation in which Storey used a rifle, prompting a large law enforcement response that included the deployment of the helicopter. The aircraft later crashed, killing Skankey and Bennett. Authorities have not said the helicopter was struck by gunfire, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Watch DPS press briefing: Link
In addition to the murder charges, Storey faces 23 counts of aggravated assault, with court documents alleging he placed law-enforcement officers and others in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury by firing or displaying a rifle. Storey suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody. No other injuries were sustained during the incident.
Storey sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting and remains in the hospital in the custody of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. He will be booked into the Coconino County Jail upon release from the hospital.
Storey is also charged with endangerment, disorderly conduct, burglary, and misconduct involving weapons, records show.
A judge ordered Storey held on a $5 million cash-only bond, meaning the full amount must be posted in cash for his release, and that he cannot use a bail bondsman. Cash-only bonds are typically imposed in cases involving extreme public-safety concerns or severe violent charges.
Storey remains in custody at the Coconino County Detention Facility. No trial date has been set.
Federal investigators are continuing to examine the helicopter crash, while the criminal case against Storey proceeds in Cocnino County Superior Court.
