A New York woman who was shot and killed by her estranged husband on Wednesday had been working with a domestic violence advocate to seek safe shelter for herself and her three children, according to reports.
On September 28, Cheektowaga police responded to a residence amid reports of Keaira Bennefield, 40, being assaulted by her estranged husband, Adam Bennefield, 48. Officers filed a warrant against the husband and told Keaira to contact them if he returned, according to WSTM.
A day later, police reportedly learned that Keaira had a video of the assault, but they did not receive the footage until three days later on October 2. This led to the charges being upgraded against Adam, who eventually turned himself in on misdemeanor assault charges on Tuesday, October 4.
Adam was released at some point. On October 5, he allegedly drove to Keaira’s mother’s home in Buffalo, where she was staying with her mother, and fatally shot her in the head.
Before her death, Keaira reportedly posted footage of the September 28 assault to her Facebook page.
“This is what this man dose [sic] to me but i’m always treated like i’m the abuser,” she wrote.
A source told WIVB that Keaira had been wearing a bulletproof vest as she feared her estranged husband. Authorities have declined to confirm whether this is true.
JUST IN– BPD says an arrest warrant has been issued for Adam Bennefield, he is now considered a suspect. https://t.co/LKdBKPKSXA
— Breanna Fuss (@BreannaFuss) October 10, 2022
“The suspect was arraigned, and a stay-away order of protection was issued against the suspect,” Cheektowaga police chief Brian Gould said. “After being released by the court, the domestic violence advocate advised the victim, that the suspect was released.”
Police are currently looking for Adam for questioning, according to WKBW. He is considered dangerous and possibly armed. A $7,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to his arrest.
Anyone with information regarding Adam’s whereabouts should call Crimestoppers WNY at 716-867-6161.
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