Police have begun examining the phone of Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets as part of an ongoing investigation into claims that he was cyber-bullied prior to his death at the age of 67. The Lake Havasu City Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit has submitted the reality television star's cellphone for forensic analysis, according to reports from TMZ.
Forensic Analysis Underway
The analysis will help determine whether online harassment played a role in Sheets's death, which has been officially ruled a suicide. The Police Department previously stated that Sheets appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
His Storage Wars castmates, Laura and Dan Dotson, revealed that the late star had been "terrified for his life" before his tragic death on April 22. Resurfaced Facebook posts show that Sheets claimed he was a victim of a "cyber bully stalker." Another co-star, Rene Nezhoda, also urged law enforcement to investigate the cyberbullying allegations.
Castmates Speak Out
Laura and Dan Dotson told Us Weekly that the cyberbullying had persisted for "three years." The pair starred alongside Sheets on the A&E show until his final appearance in 2023.
"Cyberbullying is a real thing," Laura said. "It can affect even strong men that you think aren't gonna get their feelings hurt. This made him feel less than, and it really obviously bothered him. He was terrified for his life and for the people around him. He didn't know why he was being targeted."
She also mentioned "other things" in his life that might have contributed to his death, including health issues, relationships, and love interests that fluctuated. "He truly was a wonderful, loving person who believed in God," she added.
Dan Dotson posted a tribute on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo with the caption: "RIP Darrell Sheets. You're in our hearts and minds. The world is going to miss you brother."
Sheets's Own Words
Resurfaced Facebook posts from Sheets offer a glimpse into his turmoil. He claimed to have fallen victim to a "cyber bully stalker" who used hundreds of "spoof numbers" and online aliases. Sheets accused the stalker of impersonating him, harassing small businesses, and extorting money from people.
A police spokesman confirmed: "We are aware of these cyberbullying accusations and that is a part of the active investigation."
On March 9, Sheets posted that he had been "hacked by a very evil person" uploading posts from a fake account. He insisted he was "not gay" and had not made posts about a children's arcade owner, stating that his tormentor had "ruined" him to the point where "people are showing up to my work and wanting to harm me."
Two days later, Sheets made his final Facebook post, describing a three-year online campaign against him. He asserted that his stalker had "been going after other small businesses in town and harassing them using my name." He added: "The things he says are very damaging," explaining that he was posting in case "anything happens to me."
Six weeks later, police found his body at his Lake Havasu home at 2 a.m.
Co-Star's Plea
Nezhoda, Sheets's friend and former rival on Storage Wars, posted a devastated Instagram video. He said "Darrell would want something positive out of this," and noted that someone had been "really, really tormenting him lately and cyberbullying." Nezhoda hoped law enforcement would "look into" the matter and "it's not just a pass. Because it's just not right, guys. Be better."
Sheets appeared on Storage Wars for 13 seasons, last featuring in 2023. He had been residing in Lake Havasu City after retirement and ran an antique store called Havasu Show Me Your Junk. He also appeared on shows like Rachael Ray and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In 2019, he revealed on Instagram that he had suffered a "mild heart attack."
