John “Jack” Robinson Biggs Sr., a 92-year-old former Maryland state trooper, appeared in court Saturday facing second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges after prosecutors say he stabbed his 89-year-old wife, Jane Biggs, to death inside their Goodyear, Arizona, home. A judge set bond at $1 million.
A 92-year-old former state trooper accused of killing his wife inside their Goodyear, Arizona, home made his first court appearance Saturday, where a judge ordered him held on $1 million bond.
The Court Appearance
John “Jack” Robinson Biggs Sr. was booked into Maricopa County jail on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault following his release from a local hospital. He appeared before the judge in a wheelchair, and the hearing was delayed nearly 20 minutes while court staff worked to get his hearing aids functioning so he could follow the proceedings.
Biggs briefly attempted to speak during the hearing and appeared ready to give his own account of events, but his attorney instructed him not to discuss the allegations.
What Prosecutors Allege
According to prosecutors, the killing occurred August 24, 2026, at the couple’s residence near 150th Avenue and Indian School Road. Prosecutor Brooke Gaunt told the court that Jane Biggs suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck, along with injuries to her hands and arms that appeared consistent with defensive wounds.
The couple’s adult son discovered Jane Biggs’ body in the master bedroom after flying in from out of state. He told authorities he had grown concerned after his father began “exhibiting signs and symptoms of dementia.”
Authorities also allege that Biggs attempted to take his own life by taking pills after the incident. He was hospitalized before being medically cleared and booked into jail.
A Mental Decline at the Center of the Case
Biggs’ mental state is expected to play a significant role as the case moves forward. His son reportedly noticed changes in his father’s behavior in the time leading up to the killing, which he believed were possible symptoms of dementia. Defense attorney Zach Murphy echoed that account in court, telling the judge, “There appears to be some odd behavior that didn’t exist before.”
Murphy requested a far lower bond of $25,000, pointing to Biggs’ age, his lack of any prior criminal record, and his approximately 25 years of service as a Maryland state trooper.
Prosecutors did not dispute Biggs’ clean history or his age. “We certainly recognize his age and lack of criminal history,” Gaunt told the judge, but she emphasized “the serious nature of these allegations” and argued that Biggs remains a danger to both the public and his family.
The Judge’s Ruling
The judge sided with prosecutors, setting bond at $1 million — far above the $25,000 the defense had requested.
If Biggs is able to post bond, he will be placed on house arrest with electronic monitoring and barred from any contact with his family. His next court date is scheduled for September 4.
Biggs has not yet entered a plea, and the case remains in its early stages.
