Missing dad, son may have split up

Friday, April 9, 2004 | 10:43 a.m.

Metro Police investigators said today they believe Craig Bingaman, who was being sought in his wife's slaying, has "separated" from his 5-year-old son Donovan, who now may be with a friend of the family while his father is on the lam.

"Anyone who is holding Donovan will be charged with a felony for aiding and abetting in the concealment of Donovan," Metro Missing Persons Sgt. Tom Wagner said today, noting that such an act -- even if it is being done out of kindness or concern for the boy's safety -- is treated as false imprisonment.

"We also want to let that person know they can drop Donovan off at any Clark County fire station, police station or Safe House -- no questions asked," Wagner said.

Both Bingamans are still believed to be in Southern Nevada. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of Craig and a $1,000 reward for the safe recovery Donovan.

Craig Bingaman, 23, is being sought in the strangulation of his wife, Tiffany, in their apartment in the 5300 block of Redberry Street near Rancho Drive and Cheyenne Avenue.

Police believe Craig may be staying with family or friends. Craig Bingaman does not have a car, police said.

Craig Bingaman is described as white, 6-foot-1 and 150 pounds. He has short hair and is missing several teeth. He has a tattoo of a boy with baggy pants on his lower left arm.

Donovan Bingaman is 4 feet tall and 70 pounds. He has blond hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing matching blue shorts and shirt and sandals.

Anyone with information on them is asked to call the missing persons section at 229-2907, the homicide section at 229-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.