HUNTSVILLE WOMAN INDICTED FOR REDSTONE ARSENAL MURDER

HUNTSVILLE , AL — VALORIE KIEL COX, 35, of Huntsville , Alabama has been indicted in United States District Court for the murder of Darren Spurlock on Redstone Arsenal on May 30, 2008 .  A one-count indictment was filed charging COX with the crime of murder in the second degree.

“This murder charge is brought in federal court as we have exclusive jurisdiction for criminal actions that occur on Redstone Arsenal,” stated United States Attorney Alice H. Martin.  “This is a tragic case and the full measure of justice will be sought.”

COX, who is currently in the custody of Madison County , faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

On May 30, 2008 , COX, in an attempt to elude arrest by Huntsville police officers, drove a vehicle in a reckless manner with extreme indifference to human life.  While fleeing law enforcement personnel, COX entered Redstone Arsenal, a government facility, driving her vehicle recklessly and well above the speed limit.  These actions of COX caused the death of Darren Spurlock.

This case was investigated by officers of the Huntsville Police Department, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division.  Assistant United States Attorney David H. Estes is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States .

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.