Huntsville man with unreported history of domestic violence killed wife, police say

Huntsville man with unreported history of domestic violence killed wife, police say

(Weber County Jail)


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HUNTSVILLE, Weber County — Investigators on Monday said they have discovered evidence of a history of domestic violence between Deborah Biccum and her husband, who is accused of killing her.

But no official reports of abuse were ever made to the Weber County Sheriff's Office before her death Sunday, said Lt. Lane Findlay.

Michael Biccum, 60, was arrested Sunday for investigation of aggravated murder in connection with the death of his wife, also 60.

About 8:40 a.m., deputies were called to the Lakeside Village condominiums, 6486 E. state Route 39, near Pineview Reservoir after receiving information that a man had possibly "hurt or killed his wife," Findlay said.

Biccum had called some friends with information that raised concerns for police. "We received a couple of calls from acquaintances of Biccum," Findlay said.

Once deputies arrived at Biccums' condominium, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside, so a SWAT team was called, he said. When the SWAT team entered, they found Debbie Biccum deceased. Findlay confirmed there were “signs of trauma."

A preliminary autopsy, however, was "inconclusive,” he said.

"Although there was trauma to her body, the exact cause of her death has not been determined. We will now be waiting for the results of a toxicology report and further examination which could take several weeks," the lieutenant said.

Investigators also learned that Michael Biccum had access to a second condominium in the area. The SWAT team obtained a search warrant for that residence, too, and found Biccum hiding in a bathroom, according to Findlay.

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He was being held Monday in the Weber County Jail without bail.

Based on interviews with those who knew the Biccums and other undisclosed evidence, Findlay said detectives believe the couple had a history of domestic violence that had not been reported to police.

The Biccums reportedly moved to Utah several years ago from Washington.

Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting the YWCA's Women in Jeopardy program at 801-537-8600, or the statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-897-LINK (5465).

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