In the spring of 2022, the life of Benjamin Willie 'BenGeno' Dixon, a 32-year-old Black male from Florence, South Carolina, was tragically cut short. On the evening of Sunday, April 24th, Dixon was shot in the 1000 block of Carver Street in Florence. This incident was one of three fatal shootings that occurred in the city over a single weekend. The Florence County Coroner later confirmed that Dixon succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the shooting.
An autopsy was ordered to be performed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston to determine the precise cause of his death.
Known affectionately as “BenGino” to his friends and family, Benjamin was a father to two sons, Benjamin Jr. and Ishmael, and a daughter, Trinity. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on March 3, 1990, he was a resident of Florence where he was a beloved figure in the West Florence community known as “The Bottom.” He was known for his love of basketball, his passionate support for the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, and for sponsoring events within his community. Dixon was also a budding author, having already written two books and was in the process of writing his third. His family remembers him as a loving father, son, and brother who also had a deep interest in studying the bible.
The Florence County Sheriff's Office is leading the ongoing investigation into Dixon's death. To date, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the shooting. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest, offering the possibility of a cash reward and anonymity for any tips provided. The community continues to mourn his loss as his family awaits justice.
