Crime
Branson Russell Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Alexander Benitez-Hernandez Outside Asheboro Marshalls
ASHEBORO, N.C. — A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month in Asheboro, according to a statement from the Asheboro Police Department.
On Friday, August 30, at approximately 7:06 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of Marshall’s on East Dixie Drive.
Upon arrival, officers located 23-year-old Alexander Benitez-Hernandez, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, he was pronounced dead.
During the initial investigation, witnesses informed police that another individual involved in the altercation, later identified as Branson Russell, had fled the scene in a red Ford F-250.
The vehicle was located a short time later on East Salisbury Street, where officers conducted a traffic stop. Russell was found inside with a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Detectives determined the incident stemmed from an argument between Benitez-Hernandez and Russell inside a business prior to the shooting.
According to investigators, after the argument escalated, Russell waited outside in the parking lot. Benitez-Hernandez allegedly shot Russell in the lower leg before attempting to flee toward his vehicle.
At that point, Russell retrieved a .30-30 rifle from his truck and fired one round, striking Benitez-Hernandez in the back and fatally wounding him.
On Monday, September 2, a Randolph County grand jury reviewed the case and returned a true bill of indictment against Russell for second-degree murder.
Russell was formally taken into custody on Tuesday around 3 p.m.
He has been booked into the Randolph County Jail under no bond.
The case remains under active investigation by the Asheboro Police Department.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.