Full Breakdown
Indictment of Terrell Storey Following Fatal Helicopter Crash in Flagstaff
2/14/2026, 4:12:48 AM
Overview of the Incident
On February 4, 2026, Terrell Storey, 50, was indicted on two counts of first-degree felony murder and a total of 60 criminal charges following a helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper paramedic Hunter Bennett, 28, and pilot Robert Skankey, 61. The incident unfolded during a protracted gunfight in a Flagstaff residential neighborhood, where Storey allegedly fired upon law enforcement officers from multiple rooftops for nearly two hours.
Sequence of Events
The confrontation began when Flagstaff police responded to a domestic violence call at approximately 8:30 PM. As officers engaged with the victim outside, Storey opened fire from the back of the residence using a semiautomatic rifle. This initiated a gunbattle, during which Storey moved across rooftops while continuing to shoot at the officers. The helicopter, which was assisting ground units, crashed while attempting to return to the scene of the shootout, resulting in the fatalities of Bennett and Skankey.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The cause of the helicopter crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter was hovering at approximately 1,000 feet when it went down. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days, with a final report anticipated in one to two years.
Storey, who sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds during the incident, is being held on a $5 million bond and is represented by the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office. His arraignment is scheduled for February 23, 2026. The indictment includes charges of aggravated assault, burglary, disorderly conduct, and endangerment, in addition to the murder counts.
Official Statements
Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker expressed a commitment to diligently pursuing the case, stating, “Our hearts remain with the families of Hunter Bennett and Robert Skankey, and with all the families impacted by this incident.” Public Defender Jennifer Stock also extended condolences to the victims' families and expressed interest in the results of the NTSB investigation.
Background on the Victims
Hunter Bennett was an honors graduate from Arizona State University and the top graduate of his 2023 Arizona Law Enforcement Academy class. He had recently transferred to an air rescue unit and was married shortly before the incident. Robert Skankey, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, had been with the Arizona DPS since May 2021 and was a father of four.
Criticism & Opposition
While the indictment has been met with support from law enforcement and community members, there remains a call for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash and the actions of Storey. The complexities of the case, including the potential implications of Storey’s actions on the helicopter's operation, are expected to be scrutinized in the upcoming legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The indictment of Terrell Storey marks a significant development in a tragic incident that has deeply affected the Flagstaff community and the families of the fallen officers. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on understanding the full scope of events that led to this fatal confrontation.
