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Kingman Today
By the People, for the People
Arizona Man Indicted on Murder Charges After Fatal State Helicopter Crash
Terrell Storey faces felony murder and dozens of other charges for the deaths of a state trooper and helicopter pilot.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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A grand jury has indicted 50-year-old Terrell Storey on two counts of first-degree felony murder and dozens of other charges stemming from a state police helicopter crash that killed the pilot and a trooper during a shootout between Storey and officers in Flagstaff, Arizona. The indictment alleges Storey fired on officers from multiple rooftops for nearly two hours, leading to the fatal helicopter crash.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to violent incidents, as well as the legal complexities around charging suspects with felony murder when their actions lead to unintended deaths. The crash has also raised questions about helicopter safety protocols and the role of air support in high-risk police operations.
The details
According to authorities, the confrontation began when officers responded to a domestic violence call and Storey shot at them from the back of the residence with a semiautomatic rifle. A protracted gunbattle ensued, with Storey 'hopping from roof to roof' and shooting at officers. The helicopter crew had been assisting officers on the ground when the aircraft slowed to almost a hover and crashed, killing pilot Robert Skankey and trooper paramedic Hunter Bennett.
- The incident occurred on the night of February 4, 2026.
- Storey is scheduled to be arraigned on February 23, 2026.
The players
Terrell Storey
A 50-year-old Arizona man who has been indicted on two counts of first-degree felony murder and dozens of other charges related to the fatal state police helicopter crash.
Robert Skankey
A 61-year-old pilot who was hired by the Arizona Department of Public Safety in May 2021 and was killed in the helicopter crash.
Hunter Bennett
A 28-year-old trooper paramedic who was an honors graduate of Arizona State University and the top graduate of his 2023 Arizona Law Enforcement Academy class. He was killed in the helicopter crash.
What they’re saying
“Our sympathy and condolences go out to the families of the two men who were killed in the helicopter crash.”
— Jennifer Stock, Public Defender (WRAL)
“Our hearts remain with the families of Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey, and with all the families impacted by this incident.”
— Ammon Barker, Coconino County Attorney (WRAL)
What’s next
The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the cause of the helicopter crash, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days and a final report establishing the probable cause and any contributing factors expected in one to two years.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the risks law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and the legal complexities that can arise when a suspect's actions lead to unintended deaths. It also raises important questions about helicopter safety protocols and the role of air support in high-risk police operations that will need to be addressed.
