Suspect Considered Dangerous Wanted For Killing Woman In Cheektowaga

A man, who is considered armed and dangerous, is a suspect in the shooting death of a woman in Cheektowaga. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest of Adam Bennefield. He is wanted in connection to the murder of 40-year-old Keaira Bennefield of Cheektowaga. The shooting took place on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at approximately 8:30 am, according to WGRZ. Police say that Keaira was sitting in a vehicle near Shanee Avenue and Richlawn Avenue when she was fatally shot. The mother of three died at the scene.

Buffalo Police named her 45-year-old husband, Adam Bennefield, a suspect in the case. He is wanted for questioning. Mr. Bennefield is 5 feet, 11 inches, and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He is a black male. He is considered dangerous. If you see him, do not try to apprehend him, please call Crime Stoppers at 716-867-6161 or contact the police.

Mr. Bennefield had been arrested on Tuesday, October 4, for domestic violence charges, but was released with no bail.

This tragic incident happened just as a judge in New York ruled that guns can legally be carried at shelters for domestic violence victims.

According to Everytown Research & Policy,

Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please utilize the resources below.

Domestic Violence Resources in the WNY area:

The Erie County District Attorney's Office says,

If you feel unsafe at home, advocates from our BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program are available to assist in-person or over the phone (716-858-4630) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
BE SAFE specializes in advocacy within the criminal courts and advocates work in our office, but it is a separate program to assist those impacted by domestic violence. Our victim advocates provide trauma-informed support to anyone who has been a victim or at-risk of abuse.

Family Justice Center Hotline
716-558-7233

211 WNY
888-696-9211

Domestic Violence Help Hotline - Haven House
716-884–6000 or 716-862-HELP

Erie County Department of Social Services - Domestic Violence Unit
716-858-6118

National Domestic Violence hotline
800-799-SAFE