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.
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.