A grand jury in Arizona has indicted a man on two counts of first-degree felony murder and dozens of other charges following a state helicopter crash earlier this month that resulted in the deaths of two individuals during a violent confrontation with law enforcement.
Details of the Incident and Charges
Terrell Storey, 50, was indicted on Friday in connection with a shootout in Flagstaff on the night of February 4, which culminated in the fatal crash of a state helicopter. The indictment includes a total of 60 criminal counts, with the two murder charges specifically related to the deaths of trooper paramedic Hunter Bennett, 28, and pilot Robert Skankey, 61.
Authorities reported that Storey fired on officers from multiple rooftops in a residential neighborhood over nearly two hours. He was captured around the same time as the helicopter crash and hospitalized for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Victims and Investigation
The indictment lists 25 law enforcement officers and residents as victims. Other charges against Storey encompass aggravated assault, burglary, disorderly conduct, and endangerment. While the indictment does not specify if Storey fired at the helicopter with the semiautomatic long rifle he allegedly used, the cause of the crash remains under federal investigation.
Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker stated that he anticipates Storey will be arraigned on February 23 but declined further comment on the case facts. Storey is currently held on a $5 million bond and is represented by the Coconino County Public Defender's Office.
Background of the Confrontation
According to Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, the incident began when officers responded to a domestic violence call. As they spoke with the victim in the front yard, Storey shot at them from the back of the residence, leading to a prolonged gunbattle where he moved between rooftops while targeting officers.
The helicopter crew was assisting ground officers when the crash occurred. Flight-path data indicates the helicopter slowed to almost a hover about 1,000 feet over a hilltop before going down.
Profiles of the Deceased
Robert Skankey, 61, was a longtime Kingman resident hired by the Arizona Department of Public Safety in May 2021. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he was married with four children. Hunter Bennett, 28, was an honors graduate of Arizona State University and top graduate of his 2023 law enforcement academy class. He transferred to an air rescue unit in 2024 and had recently married his high school sweetheart.
In a statement, Barker expressed that his office is committed to pursuing the case with diligence and care, adding, "Our hearts remain with the families of Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey, and with all the families impacted by this incident."
