Police allege that friends of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle broke into his home weeks after he and his family died in a helicopter crash last December. Authorities reported a break-in at the home on January 8, with $30,000 in cash, two Glock handguns, and NASCAR memorabilia stolen.
Investigation Details
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell stated that more than 40 search warrants have been issued, focusing on a married couple who allegedly knew Biffle and his wife, Cristina. The suspects have not been named as no arrests have been made. Sheriff Campbell said the pair engaged in extensive planning to profit from the deaths.
The break-in occurred less than a month after the December 18 crash that killed Biffle, his wife, his two children, and three others. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the crash. Some survivors of the deceased are suing the estates of Biffle and the pilot for millions.
Suspects' Connections
According to a search warrant affidavit, the male suspect met Biffle when the former driver used his private helicopter to deliver aid after Hurricane Helene. The female suspect attended a Christmas party at the Biffles' home in Mooresville, North Carolina, weeks before the crash.
Surveillance video captured a woman who appeared familiar with the home's layout, including camera locations, closets, and a safe room. She spent nearly six hours inside on the night of January 7 into the morning of January 8. Cellphone and device activity linked the suspects to the property during that time.
Financial Crimes
Investigators allege that bank, Venmo, and PayPal accounts belonging to the Biffles were accessed online using personal information. Phone numbers and email addresses were changed to gain control of funds, with money transferred to accounts not belonging to the family. At least one fraudulent check tied to Biffle's business interests was cashed, and other attempts were made to access accounts across multiple states.
Sheriff Campbell declined to confirm whether the same suspects are being investigated for the financial crimes, stating that more evidence is needed.
Legal Aftermath
The plane crash has sparked lawsuits against the estates of Biffle and pilot Dennis Dutton, who died along with his son. On April 17, the estates of Dutton and his son sued Biffle's estate for at least $15 million each, alleging improper maintenance and defective operation of the aircraft. Claims include lost income and pre-death pain and suffering.
In February, Biffle's ex-wife, Nicole Biffle, filed a notice of claim against Dutton's estate on behalf of their 14-year-old daughter's estate, seeking at least $10 million for wrongful death.
