Eileen Marie Hurley, a 71-year-old resident of Sheridan, Wyoming, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison. She will also serve one year of supervised release after her conviction for transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson issued the sentence on October 1, 2025, in Cheyenne.
Court records show that in May 2022, Hurley bought three handguns and matching ammunition for her son, William Lowery. She completed Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) forms stating she was the actual purchaser of the firearms but then gave them to Lowery despite knowing he was barred from owning guns due to previous felony and domestic violence convictions.
On February 13, 2024, Sheridan Police Sergeant Nevada Krinkee was shot and killed by Lowery while serving him with a trespass notice outside a rental property from which Lowery had been evicted. After firing at Sergeant Krinkee several times in front of witnesses, Lowery died following a standoff with law enforcement when he tried to flee armed with a rifle. Authorities later recovered one pistol purchased by Hurley inside the house where Lowery had barricaded himself; two other handguns were found in his truck.
During an initial interview with ATF and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Hurley claimed ignorance about how her son obtained the weapons. However, text messages between Hurley and Lowery showed she knowingly purchased the guns for him even though she knew about his violent 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 said: “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 added: "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 involving resources from agencies such as OCDETFs (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces) and Project Safe Neighborhoods—to combat illegal immigration networks as well as organized criminal groups responsible for violence across communities.
