Crime
Keyshia Ortiz-Benitez Dies After Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash on Ledyard Street in Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 30-year-old woman after she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.
Authorities identified the victim as Keyshia M. Ortiz-Benitez, born November 16, 1994, of Hartford.
According to the Hartford Police Department, officers responded to the area of Ledyard Street, south of Wawarme Avenue, following reports of a serious motor vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision.
When officers arrived, they found Ortiz-Benitez lying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical personnel provided treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Ortiz-Benitez later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police said the vehicle involved in the crash did not remain at the scene.
Investigators believe the driver, operating an unknown make and model vehicle, fled southbound immediately after striking the pedestrian. No description of the vehicle or driver has been released.
The incident is being investigated as a fatal hit-and-run crash.
Detectives with the Hartford Police Department Crime Scene Division responded to the location and have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Authorities are working to identify the vehicle involved, determine the circumstances leading up to the collision, and locate the driver who left the scene.
Investigators have not released information regarding what Ortiz-Benitez was doing immediately before the crash or whether any witnesses observed the collision.
The Hartford Police Department is asking anyone with information about the fatal hit-and-run to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Hartford Police Department Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected to be released as detectives continue their efforts to identify the driver and determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.