Kaibeto Man Charged in Navajo Nation Police Officer Murder

FLAGSTAFF, AZ—Victor Bigman, 48, of Kaibeto, Arizona, was charged today by criminal complaint with first-degree murder in the death of Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety Sergeant Darrell Curley.

At 10 p.m. on Saturday night, June 25, 2011, Navajo Nation police responded to a call at a residence in Kaibeto, where two brothers were reportedly fighting. Sergeant Darrell Curley and another officer arrived to find the two brothers, who appeared to have been drinking.

As Sgt. Curley took one of the brothers, Tyson Bigman, to his patrol vehicle, the complaint alleges that his father, Victor Bigman, fired four shots, striking and killing Sgt. Curley. Sgt. Curley was ablt to return fire and Victor Bigman is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

“We are deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Sgt. Darrell Curley,” said U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues as we work diligently to advance this murder investigation and seek justice for this incomprehensible crime.”

“As we move forward in this investigation we are mindful of Sgt. Darrell Curley’s family and colleagues at the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety,” said John A. Strong, Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Division. “We will continue to utilize the necessary resources to ensure that justice is served. Today’s charges are the culmination of efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Navajo Department of Public Safety, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”

A conviction for first-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation in this case was conducted by Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Camille Bibles and Roger Dokken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-11-04170M-001-PCT-MEA
RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-134(Bigman)