The disappearance and tragic death of 19-year-old Amanda Stevenson in Victoria, Texas, has left the community reeling and searching for answers. This timeline details the events surrounding the case, along with expert insights from retired FBI agent Colin Schmidt.
November 19th: Last Sighting and Initial Disappearance
Amanda Stevenson was last seen in Victoria, Texas, marking the beginning of a harrowing ordeal. Despite her young age, Amanda’s absence raised immediate concern among those who knew her.
November 21st: Missing Person Report Filed
Two days after her last sighting, a missing person report was officially filed for Amanda Stevenson. This crucial step initiated a formal investigation into her whereabouts and triggered law enforcement efforts to locate her.
November 22nd: A Suspicious Suicide
As authorities investigated Amanda’s disappearance, they identified 45-year-old Kevin Benneton, a ride-share driver, as a potential person of interest. Detectives had interviewed Benneton once and sought to question him further. However, during a traffic stop on November 22nd, Benneton tragically took his own life with a firearm before officers could interact with him.
Image of crime scene tape
This incident immediately raised suspicions about Benneton’s involvement in Amanda’s disappearance. Schmidt, drawing on his extensive experience, points out that suicide in the presence of law enforcement often suggests a sense of guilt and an attempt to avoid consequences.
The Investigation: Searching for Answers
Following Benneton’s suicide, the investigation intensified. Benneton’s property, described as a rural farm, became a focal point for authorities. Dozens of officers, along with dogs and drones, meticulously searched the property but found no immediate signs of Amanda.
Image of police car
November 28th: A Tragic Discovery
At 11:30 a.m. on November 28th, a grim discovery was made. The Victoria County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a body near a creek off Fort Ice Road, close to Patriot Park. The location of the body, situated near a bridge, is significant, as Schmidt highlights that individuals disposing of a body often choose easily accessible areas within a short distance from a road.
Preliminary Identification and the Autopsy
Sheriff Justin Maher confirmed that the body is preliminarily identified as Amanda Stevenson. While visual identification is an initial step, DNA, dental records, and photographs will be used for official confirmation.
The body has been transported to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office for a comprehensive autopsy. The medical examiner will strive to determine the cause and manner of death and collect any forensic evidence. The condition of the body will significantly impact the examiner’s ability to gather information.
The Phone: A Crucial Piece of Evidence
A pivotal development in the case was the recovery of Amanda’s phone. The phone, though locked, holds potential key evidence. Once unlocked, investigators can access her communications, potentially revealing her last contacts and movements. Additionally, GPS data from the phone could trace her whereabouts leading up to her disappearance.
Unanswered Questions and Public Assistance
Despite the discovery of Amanda’s body and the presumed involvement of Kevin Benneton, numerous questions remain unanswered. The exact nature of their connection remains unclear, and investigators are working to piece together the events leading to Amanda’s tragic fate.
The Victoria County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about Amanda Stevenson’s death to come forward and contact Victoria Crime Stoppers. This public assistance can provide valuable leads and help bring closure to Amanda’s grieving family and friends.
