WASHINGTON CITY, Utah — A man has been arrested, accused of killing his wife inside their home in this quiet neighborhood.
Police said they were called to the home near 2100 S. Alamosa Drive about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, where they discovered a 76-year-old woman’s body.
“Evidence at the crime scene indicated injuries were caused by a blunt force object,” said Washington City Police Lt. Ed Kantor.
Police would not say what they believe was used to kill the woman, but confirmed they did recover what detectives believe was the murder weapon. The woman’s husband, 76-year-old David Keith Benson, was booked into the Purgatory Jail on suspicion of murder.
“There is no indication that there was anything major, as far as it was a struggle,” Kantor said.
Neighbors identified the victim as Madelin Benson. They described her as an exceedingly kind woman, who never said a negative thing about anyone.
“Her and Dave would regularly walk around the neighborhood, holding hands,” said one neighbor, who did not wish to be identified. “It was their daily ritual for the most part.”
They said they had never heard of any trouble at the home. Neighbors also said they had noticed David Benson had recent health problems. One wondered if health problems had played a role in what happened.
“He has been a little down lately, and I have to guess that maybe it was the medication that pushed him over the edge,” another neighbor said.
Benson remained in the Purgatory Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in lieu of $500,000 bail.
