Suspect Arrested in Ambush Murder of Palm Beach County Corrections Deputy
On Thursday, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office apprehended 32-year-old Kevin Benette in connection with the cold-blooded murder of Corrections Deputy Basil Powell. The arrest marks a significant step forward in the investigation into the targeted attack that claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer.
Targeted Ambush: Unfold the Timeline of Events
Last week, Deputy Powell, a 5-year veteran of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, fell victim to a heinous ambush while returning home with his 5-year-old daughter in Belle Glade. Surveillance footage captured the chilling sequence of events, providing irrefutable evidence of the heartless act.
As Powell and his daughter exited their vehicle and approached their front door, a gunman emerged from the shadows, approximately 25 feet behind the unsuspecting father. The assailant opened fire without hesitation, leaving Powell with no chance of defense.
In a selfless act of love and protectiveness, Powell instinctively shielded his daughter with his body, absorbing the impact of the bullets. The horrific attack not only shattered a family but also left the agency in mourning and the community in deep shock.
Identifying the Suspect: A History of Violence
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, visibly shaken, revealed the extensive criminal history of the suspect, Kevin Benette. The litany of past charges includes battery, aggravated battery, burglary, theft, aggravated domestic stalking, domestic violence by strangulation, and false imprisonment.
"When you have somebody like this that has violent tendencies, they don’t care," said Sheriff Bradshaw. "It doesn’t matter to them… These are just violent people, and they do violent things."
Motive Unraveled: A Twisted Love Triangle
Investigators quickly established the motive behind the senseless murder. Sheriff Bradshaw stated that the suspect, Benette, had a prior romantic relationship with the girlfriend of Deputy Powell. Apparently driven by jealousy and rage, Benette targeted Powell in a fit of anger.
"I think that he was extremely agitated over that and upset and that’s why he decided to kill our deputy," said Sheriff Bradshaw. "The motives not hard to figure out here."
Praise for Detectives: Tireless Pursuit of Justice
During the press conference, Sheriff Bradshaw extended his heartfelt gratitude to the tireless efforts of the detectives involved in the investigation. He commended their relentless pursuit of evidence and their unwavering determination to bring closure to the case.
"They worked around the clock," said Bradshaw. "A lot of them didn’t even go to sleep. They got great forensic evidence. So I got to give my hats off to them. It was a difficult case to start with."
A Heavy Loss: Fourth Deputy Gone in 90 Days
The tragedy of Deputy Powell’s murder has left a profound void within the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. This marks the fourth deputy to be lost in less than 90 days, a sobering reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day.
"It’s a family here, so when we lose somebody that’s a part of the agency, everybody takes it pretty hard," said Sheriff Bradshaw. "When you have somebody like this that has violent tendencies, they don’t care. It doesn’t matter to them… These are just violent people, and they do violent things."
The arrest of Kevin Benette brings a glimmer of hope in the midst of the darkness, but it cannot erase the pain and loss experienced by Deputy Powell’s family, friends, and colleagues. As justice unfolds, the community will continue to mourn the tragic death of a brave and dedicated servant of the law.
