It was a blitz attack for no reason, said Marvin Brandt, who investigated the case as a homicide detective between 1984 and when he retired from the Aurora Police Department in 2002. Prosecutors brought their case against Alex Christopher Ewing to a close using a detailed walkthrough of genetic evidence to show that his DNA was found inside the home where three members of an Aurora family were murdered in January 1984. Debra was savagely beaten to death with a hammer. As she got older, unresolved anger issues caused Vanessa to clash with her grandmother who had become her primary caretaker after the death of her parents. Apparently when the killer lifted Melissa Bennett, an imprint from his shirt was made in the blood that had resulted from his assault on her. Their disappearance was widely reported by the national news media. The scene in the home traumatized the daughter and grandchildren for life. They immediately connected it with the Donna Dixon case from January 9th, and recognized that a serial offender was working the area. Denver Post Archive Aurora Coroner's officers and police officers remove one of the three bodies from house at. All three were beaten to death with a claw hammer. This murder, which has sat on the cold case shelves for far too long, is in desperate need of this new media attention and the new investigative resources. Learn how your comment data is processed. If the list does exist its worth a look at as well as look at reports of crimes at the local job sites involving missing tools. They didnt feel that he forced his way into the home as she entered it herself due to the television, wig, and Wendys receipt being located upstairs. Prosecutors said they will ask Gov. If they were used shoelaces, youd expect to find a vast array of particles and wear-and-tear. The very famous, more than three decades old case of Bennet family murders has recently been in the news. The Investigation kept ongoing. Bruce and the intruder fought up and down the stairwell, and at some point Bruce was struck multiple times by a hammer. Im going to come over and fuck you again. They also looked across state lines looking for similar or like crimes and to date, they have not one suspect. It was later determined to be the murder weapon. The Bennett family murders is a case that goes back more than three decades. This is a very unique activity, and it helps tie the EARONS crimes together based on M.O. The Bennett family murders is a case that goes back more than three decades. Dont profile by. After failing with the EAR, we needed a sidebar showing that the techniques actually work because they do! Another resident, Donna Dixon, was also struck with a hammer. I only do research and leave active investigation of these cases to professionals. Caller: Do you want fuck? Victim #42received a call that she identified as the EAR. No other motive like robbery could be found as the only items missing were the knife used to cut Bruce and Debras purse, yet the contents of the purse were strewn in the front yard. January 10th, 1984 started just like any other day, with Patricia dropping off her daughter and grandkids at work/school. The family got a ride from someone else. Tamara Lich's trial on multiple charges related to the Freedom Convoy protests is set to start in the fall. In just two days,. If he had not done that, they may have been the unfortunately victims. On November 7, 2014, police announced they had arrested Charles "Chase" Merritt, Joseph . The Murder of Jaye Potter Mintz Feb 23, 1987 Leland N.C. A Catastrophic Cyber Event in the Next 2-Years. Even to this day, she has absolutely no recollection of the next several hours. This generated a buzz of discussion, with victims and family wondering why this information wasnt released sooner, and online sleuths pouring over leads such as previous offenders named Richard, different water company uniforms looked at, and even eyes turned toward folks who were associated with a Canadian town/military base called Petawawa in Ontario. A day or two after receiving the DNA results, Law Enforcement met with victims and their family members. The investigators and the CBI were safe to guess that it might have been a construction worker that had been working in the area. Add some text book, some psychological profiling and presto, they have a profile. They lived on a peaceful cul-de-sac where most of the houses had recently been finished and were yet to be sold. Alexander Christopher Ewing is now the behind bars, serving 40 years for two counts of attempted murder in the state of Nevada. This was the end of the first day of what would become a futile week-long dig for the body of Keith Bennett, who was 12 years old in 1964 when he was killed by the Moors murderers, Ian Brady and . I also believe this is the killers first stint at killing humans he most likely as with most serial killers did in fact kill animals earlier in life. Ronald worked as a pilot. It would be nearly twenty-four hours total before she was found. Lauers Chevy Nova was later discovered heading AWAY from the beach. De Ligonnes Family. Arapahoe County District Judge Darren Vahle spoke directly to Ewing before announcing the sentence. Bruce's mother would discover the family the next day inside the home, after no one answered calls to their landline. Evidence of wounds caused by a blade revealed that Bruce attempted to defend himself as the intruder swiped and slashed at him with a knife. It took 37 years, but on Tuesday, the families of Bruce and Debra Bennett saw justice served. You can also see what seems to be escalation and a frenzy of activity at certain points. Peter Weir, District Attorney of the 1st Judicial District, oversees the area where the Smith murder occurred. Third Crime Scene During the rape series, he primarily used shoelaces. Bruce and Debra were both probably dead by the time the killer entered Melissas bedroom. On Jan. 4, 1984, a couple in Aurora woke up to see a man in their bedroom who hit each of them with a hammer before fleeing. Forensic Yard He raced inside and quickly found Donna in the middle of the blood-soaked bed. I write about old, unsolved cases from the pre-DNA era. As she turned to leave the car, she felt a tremendous blow on the left side of her head. The Bennetts didnt show up for work on Monday. Dont forget to follow Generation Why on FB [X] , Instagram [X] and Twitter [X]. There is no innocent explanation for how you explain all of the evidence.. According to property records, the couple stayed in the same house after the attack. It helps bring the other EAR phone escapades into the fold. The intruder, apparently thinking she was dead, began to make his escape. Investigators were able to piece together the details of the horrendous ordeal through study of the evidence and the crime scene. Yvonne Woods was on the stand for more than three hours . CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - A judge sentenced Alex Ewing to three life sentences on Tuesday after he was found guilty in the 1984 murders of three people in Aurora. Serve as lead administrator of a K-3, 9-12 urban site . She was also left with a shattered pelvis and fell into a coma. SOMERVILLE Sandra G. Bennett, 76, died March 2, 2023. Most likely it appears quite small in your browser window simply click on it to enlarge it. There was no sign of Lauer or Phelps. Investigators had collected and stored the killer DNA from the crime scene back in 1984 and since they did not know the hammer killers identity at the time issued a warrant for the arrest of John Doe on three counts of murder, attempted murder, felony murder, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of child sexual assault in the hope that technology in the future could aid in identifying the assailant. A coworker informed Bruces mother, Constance, about their absence. For years the authorities and true crime sleuths never gave up trying to identify the sick individual responsible for the murders and assaults that happened that year. The jury found Ewing guilty on Aug. 6 of killing three members of the Bennett family with a hammer. Book Synopsis . My best friend lived around the corner from the Bennetts, and that previous night (or night of) after dinner when she was cleaning the kitchen, she saw a man staring at her through the window. He is more introverted when he is sober and an extrovert when he isnt. This article in the Denver post describes how after he murdered the Bennetts he went on to enter the house of a man in Kingman, Arizona and attempted to bludgeon the man to death with a 20lb rock. The previous week, on the 10th of January, a woman in her fifties named Patricia Smith had also been murdered in her own home in a townhouse in Green Mountain, Lakewood, which is just a 25 minutes drive from Bennets home in Aurora. That is what drove him into such an uncontrollable frenzy so fast and that is precisely what stopped the attacks so fast. She was quickly and carefully taken to the hospital in an ambulance. He took Debras purse and went out the front door, then dumped the contents out onto the snow. It was a match, proving that the same unknown offender had killed all four victims. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and the murder weapon? On the night of January 16th, 1984 a gruesome discovery was made at a house on 16300 East Center Drive, Aurora. These were quite commonplace, but as folks who havent read my book are learning, there were quite a few instances where he actually spoke with victims, potential victims, or even Law Enforcement. Now She's Speaking Out, Mass. Order your tickets today to see Small Town Murder in Atlanta, GA. alone. Ewing was convicted of killing 27-year-old Bruce and 26 year-old Debra Bennett, as well as their 7-year-old daughter Melissa, in Aurora. Bruce and Debra Bennett lived with their daughter Melissa and younger daughter, Vanessa. In 2002, Arapahoe County filed a John Doe arrest warrant for the perpetrator of the Bennet murders based on the DNA profile. Investigators were able to determine that the girl had died by drowning, but at first they couldnt agree on whether it had been accidental or whether there was foul play involved. The press conference began with Aurora Chief Nicholas Metz, who recognized the hard work and dedication of many investigators who worked this case over the years. Other Information Obviously, this guy was looking for his next target. The FAIR School, Minneapolis Public Schools and West Metro Education Program. Her head was constantly swimming with thoughts of her parents. 28-year-old Bruce Bennett had jumped into action when the attacker entered the family home and a struggle broke out between the two as Bennett attempted to protect his family. Autor do artigo Por ; Data do artigo estranged from family and happy; benson funeral home worthington, mn obituaries em bennett family murders address em bennett family murders address "I have seen all kinds of evil and wickedness nothing compares to the level of depravity that your actions show in this case," Vahle told Ewing. The child died from her injuries. He then found the couples oldest daughter, 7 year old Melissa, who tragically suffered the same terrible fate as her mother. These crimes in Colorado are this killers first stages at killing a human. The caller whispered harshly into the phone, saying You know who this is or Do you know who this is? The victim was on the line with him for about a minute. Even after he was struck and injured severely, Bruce continued to struggle valiantly with his attacker, and it seems he climbed the stairs after him even after the intruder thought that he was unconscious or dead. Vanessa Benn. The world turned a painful red and Donna began to lose consciousness. Hed been in the Navy, where he worked on high-tech sonar equipment at Pearl Harbor. Before he was sentenced, Ewing declined the chance to speak to the victim's family members, who were present in the courtroom including Vanessa Bennett, who is now 41. He went on to continually beat the mans wife as she attempted to shield her husband from the blows of an ax handle while simultaneously on the phone to 911. Some of the ligatures matched across scenes. We often times want answers that fit into a box and I am sorry to say in this case we will not get them. Special recognition was given to Detective Steve Conner from the Major Crimes Unit who, incidentally was at the scene of the Bennett crime as a young deputy, and who has worked the case for many, many years. The jury found Ewing guilty on all counts. They lived on the other side of the Denver metro area, but their home and Smith's home were both near a main east-west road, Alameda Avenue, leading investigators to suspect the killer used that route. Quite frankly if the suspect wasnt on the original list, spoken to or even noticed in this case it may come down to just DNA unless police have enough evidence and suspect info they can rework the case from scratch. The Bennett family was your average middle class family living the American dream. He was currently working at a family-owned furniture store, but was taking classes at the local college and would soon be working as an air traffic controller. In addition to photos and a summary of information, the following points are worth going over: Its also worth noting that the EAR seemed to, at times, receive gratification from tying and retying his victims. Let us have a look at this unforgettable case of the Bennet family murders. EAR brought his own ligatures to almost every attack he didnt rely exclusively on what was found at the scene. The killer then ascended the staircase and entered the couples bedroom where he attacked Bruces 26 years old wife, Debra, simultaneously he raped and killed her. All rights reserved. KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) _ Two men were arrested Friday in the killing of an elderly man and his wife, a crime whose brutality traumatized this small town and went unsolved for more than a year. Investigators said he also sexually assaulted Melissa before she died from being beaten. Ron showed his commitment to Donna by marrying her in May 1984, just a few months after the ghastly attack and before she was even fully recovered. Other attacks had occurred off of this main road, and its believed that the killer couldve entered the area from that point. Shed left the garage door open and most likely left the door unlocked as she went upstairs, removed her wig, and turned the television on. It begins with a woman killed with a hammer in Lakewood and, a week later, a family killed the same way in Aurora. CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - A judge sentenced Alex Ewing to three life sentences on Tuesday after he was found guilty in the 1984 murders of three people in Aurora. This case impacted not just the victims, but it also terrorized an entire community, he said. He finds his release from the level of pain he inflicts on the victim, the level of violence he is able to achieve. This call is important because not only did it occur during an EAR quiet period, but this attack is connected by DNA. Victim #7received a phone call, and she recognized the voice on the other end as the voice of the rapist. The press conference panel continually emphasized the destruction that this case has left on the lives of those affected. In fact, there was a string of unsolved crimes in the area that took place just days apart from each other. The Bennett family was attacked either the night of Jan. 15 or the morning of Jan. 16. The following tests were performed on the EAR calls: Long story short inconclusive. All rights reserved. The family overall lead a very quiet and peaceful life. You got the age closer than the fbi and police you described exactly what the guy was feeling when he was killing them. Only the youngest daughter survived, with life-threatening injuries. She suffered severe injuries to her head, jaw, and neck. Ewing was not identified as a suspect until a DNA hit in July 2018 linked him to semen left at the crime scene. You see it in the last known crime that the killer committed. Ewing, 23 at the time, killed the 27-year-old husband and his 26-year-old wife, as well as their daughter, inside their Aurora home. The crimes appeared to be sexually motivated, judging by the assaults that occurred on Debra and Melissa. Its unfortunate le didnt get him back then. Theyd moved there around Thanksgiving from another place a few miles away, and had so far enjoyed their quiet, developing neighborhood. One lab felt that the letters were RICHAR. Another lab felt that it said PETAW C, with a space or fold between the W and the C and perhaps another fold in there as well. / CBS Colorado. Almost six days later, tragedy struck Aurora once again. Dont profile by LOOKING AT the behavior in an attempt to findclues to his or her psychology in an effort toaid in capturing a criminal. On Sunday, January 15th, 1984, several family members gathered at the Bennett home to have a birthday part for Melissa, who wouldve turned eight on Tuesday. He further explained the nature of the coordinated and combined effort that contributed to the identification of this suspect, and the initial ease at which the system has thus far moved. Im your biggest fan. Your email address will not be published. George Brauchler, District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District (which includes Aurora), emphasized that this individual is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. Wedged between the bed and the wall was three-year-old Vanessa, choking of fragments of her own jaw bone and barely clinging to life. Two different crime labs analyzed the fuzzy imprint, and they came up with different results. Its also interesting to note that the first incidence of violence, the Snelling murder, didnt stop him, but he did seem to be gradually slowing down after what appears on the surface to be the 1975 peak. Long Prairie, Minn. Long Prairie is a town of about 3,000 people in central Minnesota's Todd County. Toward the end of that series and during the murders, he began experimenting with different types of bindings plastic ties, twine, drapery cord, etc. "The Crown prosecutor who is prosecuting my case in September seems like a dog with a . The crime scene is the Bennett Family home where 3 out of 4 family members were murdered in January 1984. The Military also submits DNA for specific types of crimes committed by its members. Tabernacle. Determine the level of organization/disorganization of each crime scene. Are you suggesting that initially investigators missed certain details based off the profile of the dude? While meeting with the families in regards to this case reopened many old wounds and horrific memories, the Aurora Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the 18th Judicial District, and the 1st Judicial District is committed to seeing that justice is served in this case. Vanessa, now 38 years old, received a call from the Aurora sheriffs department informing her that her parents killer had been identified as 57 year old Alexander Christopher Ewing. Photo: 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images, Inside Idaho Murder Suspect's Alleged Chat Room Posts: I Can Do 'Whatever I Want with Little Remorse', Chilling Details Revealed as Probable Cause Affidavit is Released in University of Idaho Murder Case, 'Why Did You Kill My Daddy? The mandatory minimum sentence for each count is life with possibility of parole after 20 years, according to the prosecution. Chris Harris has been a senior true crime reporter for PEOPLE since late 2015. She was last seen at about 8:30 PM while on her way to meet friends. The case lacked any apparent motive. He tore her clothes off, tossed them about the garage, and then he raped her on the concrete floor. Donna pulled into the driveway, hit the remote to open the garage, and pulled her car in. His wife, Debra, was sexually assaulted and bludgeoned. Her bra was wrapped around one of her wrists, and her clothing was found on the bank nearby. The 3-year-old sister, Vanessa, was the only survivor. Youve done this with other cases to. Not only was she left with physical injuries and scars as a reminder of the attack, she was also left with ADHD, PTSD and bipolar disorder. How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator in India? . He stayed on the prosecution team with Storgaard and Senior Deputy District Attorney Megan Brewer. Tarot Spread To Ask A Question; Peut On Boucher La Vue D'un Voisin; Thirty Eight Snub Meaning As a workaround, a well-known forensic genealogist named Colleen Fitzpatrick analyzed the case, and her research came up with the possible surname of Ewing. This finding was announced an the television show, On the Case With Paula Zahn, in February 2018. Broderick was denied parole for a second time just this past January. 2019 Sentinel Colorado. She was also raped. He was brought to Colorado to face trial for the deaths of the Bennett family. Vanessa Bennett was shocked to receive the phone call identifying the man who murdered her entire family and attempted to murder her in 1984and admits it hasnt quite sunk in. The other victim murdered in the terrifying crime spree. Ewing, then 23, was arrested again two days later about 15 miles (24 kilometers) away by park rangers at Lake Mead. </p> Damien Bendall, 31, is now alleged to have raped and murdered Lacey Bennett . She was numb and cold, and somehow was able to get to her feet and go inside the house. Report of July 5, 2022 officer-involved shooting in Report of July 21, 2022 officer-involved shooting in Jury returns guilty verdict in mass shooting at Aurora man sentenced to decades in prison for Man sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for Parolee and former Scout leader with history of Lone Tree bowling alley shooter sentenced to 23 Report of March 3, 2022 officer-involved shooting in Colorado District Attorneys Council honors trial team for Jury finds man guilty in former CU football Report of July 5, 2022 officer-involved shooting in Aurora, Report of July 21, 2022 officer-involved shooting in Englewood, Man sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for murdering couple who responded to advertisement for used car. There, lying on the floor next to the couch and just a few feet away from the front door, was the carefully posed body of their grandmother. An autopsy found that Debra died from blunt force trauma. John Hickenlooper to request Ewings extradition today but the process could take weeks or months depending on a host of legal factors. With time, multiple surgeries, and the support of her extended family, Vanessa began to recover from her physical injuries but living a normal life after losing both her parents to a murderer who had yet to be captured and convicted made childhood difficult. Family medicine doctors are primary-care physicians trained. The fact that the murders took place between Highline Canal and the Alameda Corridor is curious, in fact, I am drawn to this fact about the case more so than any other fact. The family had been celebrating Melissas birthday that night. Vanessa Bennett sat under a picnic shelter on a muggy Arizona morning and talked for the first time about the physical and emotional toll she bears as the only surviving victim of one of. The killer was practicing, he was unsure of himself and he was unsure of the weapon he would eventually use. You called it in a recent case again how did you know? Which is why a more beneficial profile from the onset is more important in fact, its critical. Caller: Hi, its me again. Additionally, an audio expert associated with an upcoming television show that were a part of was able to isolate the background sounds of the Gonna Kill You phone call, and there was a tiny bit of a surprise in there. This was the last time the Bennetts were seen alive. Hecontinued to attack the child causing severe injuries, but the 3 years old held on to her life and was alive the next morning when she was discovered by her grandmother. Ron kept vigil and kept guard in her hospital room day and night. Investigators believed the killers attacks escalated from just beating someone with a hammer to actually murdering them. He faced six . Listen and Subscribe to The Generation Why Podcast! He reminded the public that John Doe warrants had been filed based on the DNA profile of the killer back in 2002, and mentioned that the John Doe charges have been updated to Alex Christopher Ewings name. His attacker slit his throat before eventually delivering a final fatal blow with a hammer. The womens bodies were found inside Thomas vehicle. She was naked, curled up in a fetal position and groaning. He shouted her name, but she could only groan in response. But some states were slow to add DNA to CODIS and the Damn ACLU had to butt its nose into it and doesnt like how some states collect DNA beyond certain felony charges or convictions. No fingerprints or any other usable evidence could be found at the scene. Unfortunately, they verified one by one that each family member was deceased. Ax Handle Attacker Alex Ewing Named Suspect in Bennett Family Murders. ~Then on Jan. 10, 1984, someone used a hammer to strike 50-year-old Patricia Louise Smith several times in the head in her Lakewood home thus killing her sometime between 3pm and 5pm. Over 200 Million Downloads! How do you feel knowing this case was solved? Shippers choose our flatbed, step deck, RGN or other specialized trailers to move freight that is too large to be Its quite possible that she wasnt even conscious for any of it. The hammer struck her in the jaw, shattering the bone which splintered in an explosion of small fragments that punctured her windpipe. This is a harsh, cold fact profilers must learn if they are to more accurately profile. At approximately 2:00 AM on January 4th, 1984, an intruder came through an unlocked garage door. Murderer of Aurora's Bennett family sentenced to life in prison August 17, 2021 It took 37 years, but on Tuesday, the families of Bruce and Debra Bennett saw justice served. Its probably nothing that will move the case forward, but that show is coming out pretty soon so youll be able to find out what that is in just a couple months! Nothing else appeared to be missing. Read on to learn about the devastation and challenges faced in this crime series, the investigative leads that were undertaken, and the tremendous news that closure is within reach. Bruce Bennett tried to climb the staircase several times in an attempt to ward off the perpetrator and save his young family. Did you know that one of the most popular places to rob are construction sites? Second Crime Scene The jury found Ewing guilty on. Bruce Alan Bennett was twenty-seven years old. Yvonne Missy Woods, a DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was the last of 25 prosecution witnesses called to the stand in Ewings trial on multiple counts of first-degree murder in the hammer killings of Bruce and Debra Bennett and their daughter, Melissa. At the conclusion of his comments, he introduced his former boss, Peter Weir. She said in an interview that she has big plans for the future, and reminds us that "its never too late to achieve big things. The blow shed felt was the attacker striking her head with a hammer. She screamed because he would have had to go through an open gate into their yard. We didnt just look for all three to match, but also looked for a Ray to Gonna Kill You match, a Ray to Dumb Fuckers match, etc. Smith was attacked in the condo she shared with her daughter and grandchildren and the hammer was left behind. <p>Bruce Bennett, 27, was fatally stabbed and bludgeoned. The Bennett family. Currently all 50 states have to collect DNA for certain types of Felony crimes and submit it to CODIS. Keep in mind that the offenders last known murder was in 1986, which makes the last few particularly creepy. The killer pummeled and sexually assaulted his 26-year-old wife, Debra, and 7-year-old daughter, Melissa. He faced six counts of first-degree murder. Ewing is arrested and incarcerated. One thing that hasnt been said would be that during the winter in Colorado construction slows and sometimes between Jan-March it slows to a crawl, a lot of guys get laid off or work inconsistently during the week. Its my hope that this can help folks gain a better understanding of how prolific this offender was, and that insights can be gained as to perhaps why he was active at the times that he was, and why he mightve laid low during some of the quieter times. The large hammer was recovered, still on the seat of the car where the attacker had left it. . Whatever the case, this person was in and around this area for at least the first part of January and most likely stayed in the area during that time. The police after searching the home believe that the intruder brought his own weapon, a hammer or some other type of blunt object yet, he took a knife from the kitchen which is what he used to slash and cut Bruce with. Were happy to at least have a little bit of science behind us on this and it was worth exploring, even though the result was inconclusive.
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