New York Mom Shot to Death After Estranged Husband Is Charged With Domestic Violence

Keaira Bennefield was killed on October 5 as she sat inside her own car outside her mom's home. Two of her kids were in the back during the incident and witnessed the shooting. According to People, authorities believed that the estranged husband, who had been arrested recently due to domestic violence charges, is accountable for the crime.

Officials have already issued an arrest warrant for Adam Bennefield, estranged husband, in connection with the shooting. The crime occurred just one day after Adam was released from jail after the incident of domestic violence in which he allegedly assaulted the mom of three.

Cheektowaga Police Department confirmed that they have responded to a domestic violence call at a residence on September 28 and when they arrived at the scene, the former husband had already left. Police told Bennefield to contact them if he returned. A few days later, she posted a video of an alleged assault on her Facebook page. Officers immediately saw the video on October 2 and quickly arrested Adam and charged him with one count of third-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, one count of second-degree menacing, one count of second-degree unlawful imprisonment, and one count of second-degree harassment.

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Nevertheless, Adam did not remain in jail as he was released on his recognizance several hours after his arrest. He also has not yet entered a plea to the charges filed against him. Court records do not also reflect an authorized attorney to speak on his behalf. Officers believed that after he was released, he severely shot his estranged wife in the head and quickly fled the scene. Authorities are still looking for him.

Cheektowaga Police Department warns the general public that Adam Bennefield is dangerous as he is armed. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to immediately dial Crimestoppers WNY at 716-867-6161. A $7,500 reward is also offered for those individuals who have accurate information that leads to his arrest.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Approximately 10 million people are physically abused by an intimate partner annually, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence says. Thus, if you experience or are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org. Rest assured that all calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is also available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

In the United States, the domestic violence symbol or gesture is a hand up, palm out, with the thumb tucked and folding the fingers down. The awareness month is also associated with the color purple. Individuals decorate their lives in the color purple as it serves as a symbol of survival, peace, courage, honor, and dedication to ending violence, per Marjaree Mason Center.

20 individuals per minute are physically abused

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. Around 1 in 3 women and almost 1 in 6 men encounter some form of sexual violence in their lives.

According to data published in World Population Review, Oklahoma remains the top city in the US where domestic violence often happens. Around 49.1 percent of Oklahoma women and 40.7 percent of Oklahoma men experienced domestic abuse. This is the highest in the United States.

NCADV reported that almost 20 individuals per minute are physically abused by their intimate partner in the United States.

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