Steven Benson (murderer)
Steven Benson | |
|---|---|
 DOC Mugshot | |
| Born | July 26, 1951 |
| Died | July 3, 2015 (aged 63) |
| Criminal status | Incarcerated at Taylor Correctional Institution |
| Spouse | Debra Franks Larsen Benson |
| Children | Christopher Logan Benson Victoria Elivibeth Benson |
| Parent(s) | Margaret Benson (Deceased) Edward Benson (Deceased) |
| Conviction(s) | First degree murder, attempted first degree murder, arson of a dwelling |
| Criminal penalty | Life sentence |
Steven Wayne Benson[1] (July 26, 1951 – July 3, 2015) was an American convicted double murderer of his mother, tobacco heiress Margaret Benson; and his brother (actually his nephew but later adopted), tennis player Scott Benson.[2] (Margaret Hitchcock Benson was heiress of the Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co., Lancaster, Pa., and had no connection with Benson & Hedges brand cigarettes manufactured in the US by Philip Morris.) He was born in 1951 in Florida.[3]
On July 9, 1985 Benson placed a car bomb on the family car, in which Margaret, Scott, and Steven's sister, Carol Lynn Benson Kendall (a former Miss Florida runner-up), were waiting for Steven to join them in the vehicle when the Suburban exploded.[4] Kendall survived but was badly burned; Margaret and Scott died instantly from the bomb impact. Represented by attorney Michael McDonnell, Steven Benson was ultimately convicted of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, arson of a dwelling.[5] He avoided the death penalty, and was sentenced to life in prison.[6][7] Benson was transferred to different prisons during his time, because of constant threats and abuse from other prisoners. Because of the murder, Benson was attacked by other prisoners while serving his sentence in prison.[8]
He died in prison on July 3, 2015.[9][10]
In media
Dominick Dunne's investigative crime show Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice devoted an hour for the case of Steven Benson.[11] Benson is also featured in an episode of the New Detectives entitled "Short Fuse" (Season 2, Episode 3).
References
- ^ "Inmate Population Information Detail - Steven Benson". Florida Department of Corrections. Retrieved February 7, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Crimes of the Riches". The New York Times. September 13, 1987.
- ^ Aten, Tim. "In the Know: Is that Benson guy still in prison? » Naples Daily News". Naplesnews.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Car Bomb Victim Was Son, Not Brother, Heiress Says". latimes. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ "`Heated Discussions` By Slain Heiress Told". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ "Anniversary recalls notorious crime". Marco Eagle. Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Benson Guilty Of Murders `He Doesn'T Believe It,' Lawyer Says". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. Retrieved 2013-10-23.
- ^ "Anniversary recalls notorious crime » Marco Eagle". Marconews.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-23.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Naples killer Steven Benson who sought $10 million family fortune dies in jail with $30 to his name". NPDN. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ "Man who blew up his tobacco heiress mother and brother dies in Florida prison". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ "Court TV to air Benson story tonight". Highbeam.com. Retrieved 2013-10-23.