Man convicted of killing estranged wife in front of children
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A jury has convicted a man of murdering his estranged wife in front of her children over two years ago, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.
Adam Bennefield was convicted Wednesday of killing his estranged wife, 30-year-old Keaira Hudson, outside of her car at the intersection of Shawnee and Richlawn Avenues on the morning of Oct. 5, 2022.
Bennefield shot Hudson in the shoulder before shooting her in the head, Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said in a press conference Wednesday. Her three children, a 9-year-old, a 4-year-old and an infant, were in the backseat.
“It’s a horrific crime,” Keane said. “He murdered this young woman in front of her three kids and then fled the scene like a coward.”
Jurors took about one hour to render their decision, finding Bennefield guilty of all counts against him: second-degree murder, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated criminal contempt.
One of the children who was in the car became a key witness in the case. Immediately after the shooting, the then 9-year-old was able to tell police the murderer was Bennnefield. Keane applauded her for bravely testifying this week.
“I think it’s really important for a jury to hear that testimony and I’m sure it was extremely difficult for her,” Keane said. “Today the verdict will give these kids the opportunity to start healing.”
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Friends of Hudson’s family told WIVB News 4 in 2022 that she had been in an abusive relationship with Bennefield. He was in Cheektowaga Town Court just one day before the shooting for allegedly assaulting her. An order of protection was issued, but Bennefield was released because the charges were misdemeanors. Less than 24 hours later, he killed Hudson. She was wearing a bulletproof vest when she was killed.
“We tried our best to get him held the day before, we were unable to do that,” explained Keane. “I think that we certainly support more discretions in the hands of the judges.”
Following the shooting, Bennefield led police on a weeklong manhunt before he was taken into custody on Oct. 12.
Bennefield has a violent past. In 2000, he pleaded guilty to kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and another woman by ordering them out of a car and into his while armed with a shotgun. He escaped from the Erie County Correctional Facility later that year while awaiting trial, triggering a 19-hour manhunt.
He ended up serving 15 years in prison before he was released in June 2015.
During the press conference, Keane said that prosecutors are going to be asking for the maximum sentence.
Bennefield faces 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 20.
The entire press conference can be watched in the video player below.
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