Eileen Marie Hurley, a 71-year-old resident of Sheridan, Wyoming, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 1, 2025, in Cheyenne. Hurley was convicted for transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Court records show that in May 2022, Hurley purchased three handguns and matching ammunition for her son, William Lowery, despite knowing he was legally barred from possessing firearms due to previous felony and domestic violence convictions. She completed Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) forms stating she was the actual purchaser before giving the weapons to Lowery.
On February 13, 2024, Sheridan Police Sergeant Nevada Krinkee encountered Lowery while serving him with a trespass notice outside a rental property following his eviction. During the encounter, Lowery shot Sergeant Krinkee multiple times after pulling a handgun from his waistband. Sergeant Krinkee died from his injuries. After a standoff lasting about 30 hours, law enforcement shot and killed Lowery as he attempted to flee armed with a rifle. Investigators later found one of the pistols purchased by Hurley in the house where Lowery had barricaded himself; the other two handguns were located in his truck.
Initially, Hurley told investigators from ATF and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) that she did not know how her son obtained the guns. However, text messages between Hurley and her son showed she knowingly bought firearms for him despite being aware of his criminal background and substance abuse issues.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and DCI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Hammer and Margaret Vierbuchen prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith stated: “If you buy a gun for a known violent prohibited person and they use that gun to commit a violent crime, you will be prosecuted. Although we cannot prevent all violent crime, this is the first line of defense in keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals who are a danger to our communities. We offer our support and condolences to the Krinkee family and the Sheridan Police Department. The government cannot obtain justice for the murder of Sgt. Krinkee, but others will now think twice before becoming a firearm straw-purchaser due to the precedent set in this case.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers commented: “Having first served our country in the U.S. Army and later his community as a sergeant with the Sheridan Police Department, Sergeant Nevada Krinkee truly exemplified what it means to ‘protect and serve.’ Tragically, his life was taken by a violent felon armed with a gun that was illegally purchased and transferred. Today’s verdict cannot bring back the son, father, husband, and friend that so many love. But we hope it serves as a powerful reminder: straw purchasing is not just illegal, it’s preventable and can have deadly consequences.”
Chief Travis Koltiska of Sheridan Police Department said: “Today’s sentencing brings a mix of emotions for all of us. While it provides some accountability, it also reminds us of the deep pain caused by the loss of Sgt. Nevada Krinkee. Nothing can make our department or community whole again, but each step toward justice helps us continue healing and honoring Nevada’s memory. We are extremely grateful to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Attorney’s Office, who worked tirelessly to see this case through.”
This prosecution resulted from Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
