Update 10/12/22: Adam Bennefield, the Cheektowaga man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife Keaira Bennefield, is now in police custody, authorities say. Police say he was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Police say the murder of a Buffalo-area woman could have been prevented.

An arrest warrant has now been issued for her husband.

According to Buffalo Police Department investigators, Keaira Bennefield was found shot to death in a car on Oct. 5 in the area of Shawnee and Richlawn avenues in the city. The main suspect, according to police, is Keaira's husband. 

Adam Bennefield, 45, was arrested for a violent domestic incident at the couple's Cheektowaga home the week before her death, police say. After Cheektowaga officers detained Mr. Bennefield and had him mentally evaluated at ECMC, he was able to walk away, they say.

After that incident, a domestic violence advocate with the Cheektowaga Police Department followed up with Keaira. They say she claimed to have video of Adam beating her and even arranged a time to drop off the video to investigators. 

 

 

With evidence in hand, police say they were able to convince Adam to turn himself in for the prior incident. However, even with the alleged video evidence, a Cheektowaga judge still released Mr. Bennefield because the charges he faced did not qualify under bail reform for him to remain in custody.

Instead, the judge issued an order of protection for Keaira. Less than 48 hours later, Buffalo police say she was shot and killed.

"Every way you look at it, this is a tragedy," said Chief Brian Gould of the Cheektowaga Police Department. "This has affected our community, has affected a family in our community. It's affected our officers who felt that they were doing everything that they could do to keep this victim safe and tragically we were unable to."

Adam Bennefield remains out on the streets, according to investigators. Buffalo police say he is now wanted in connection with her murder and they believe he is armed and dangerous.

CrimeStoppers is offering up to $7,500 for tips leading to Mr. Bennefield's arrest. 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Adam Bennefield is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (716)-867-6161 or 911.

A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement Friday, saying:

"Our hearts are with Keaira Hudson's family and friends as they mourn this tragic loss. Governor Hochul's top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe, which is why she worked with the legislature earlier this year to crack down on gun crimes and repeat offenders and further expand the types of cases where judges have the discretion to set bail. The Governor continues to work every day with law enforcement and local officials to improve the criminal justice system, combat violence, and strengthen public safety across New York."