A 92-year-old retired Maryland State Police trooper is behind bars facing murder charges after authorities say he stabbed his wife to death during an argument over finances at their Arizona home.
Background
John Biggs Jr. spent 25 years as a Maryland State Police trooper before retiring and eventually relocating to Arizona, according to court records. His attorney, Zach Murphy, told the court that Biggs was apparently experiencing dementia, describing behavioral changes that had developed recently.
Goodyear police responded around 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 to a home in the 15000 block of Amelia Drive after receiving reports of a deceased person. The call came after Biggs' son traveled from out of state following concerning phone calls from his father, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime.
The Investigation
Detectives learned that Biggs had become increasingly paranoid, believing his wife was stealing large sums of money from his account and saying mean things about him to their friends. His son told investigators his father sounded overly paranoid and delusional during their phone conversations, prompting the decision to travel across state lines to check on him.
When the son arrived at the home, he found Biggs sitting in a recliner. According to the affidavit, Biggs admitted to stabbing his wife and warned his son not to go into the bedroom. The son discovered Jane Biggs in her nightgown on the bed with significant blood around her. She had three or four stab wounds to the neck along with apparent defensive injuries to her hands and arms.
Jane Biggs was pronounced dead at the scene. In an interview conducted after receiving his Miranda rights, John Biggs admitted to killing his wife. He told detectives he confronted her about investment documents and money she allegedly took, which she denied. According to investigators, Biggs believed he had lost everything and became enraged before repeatedly stabbing her as she tried to fight back.
After the attack, Biggs ingested several pills in what authorities believe was a suicide attempt. He then sat in his recliner and fell asleep until his son discovered him the following morning.
Key Takeaways
- John Biggs Jr., 92, has been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with his wife's death
- The retired Maryland State Police trooper allegedly stabbed his 89-year-old wife Jane Biggs three to four times in the neck during a dispute over finances
- Defense attorney Zach Murphy indicated Biggs was experiencing dementia and exhibiting unusual behavior that 'didn't exist before'
- After allegedly killing his wife, Biggs took pills in an apparent suicide attempt before falling asleep in his recliner
- His son discovered the scene after traveling from out of state due to concerning phone calls about his father's mental state
What's Next
A judge set bond at $1 million during a preliminary hearing. Court records indicate Biggs required approximately 20 minutes to get his hearing aids functioning so he could participate in proceedings. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Sept. 4, when formal charges are expected to be presented.