Kenyell Benny Wilson, a 44-year-old man, dedicated his life to curbing violence in Baltimore, but tragically, he became a victim of the very crime he fought against. On July 1, 2021, Wilson, an outreach worker for the Safe Streets program, was shot while in his vehicle. Despite his injuries, he managed to drive himself to Harbor Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
At the time of the incident, it was unclear where in the city the shooting had occurred, leaving investigators to piece together his final moments. His friends believe he was simply grabbing food when the fatal attack took place.
Known affectionately as 'Benny,' Wilson had been a respected figure in the Cherry Hill community for nearly nine years through his work with Safe Streets. He was a father to eleven children and was remembered for his positive influence and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. His death was a significant blow to the community, particularly as it came just a week after the Cherry Hill Safe Streets program had celebrated a full year without a homicide in its area. The irony of his violent death was not lost on a city grappling with bloodshed; he was the second Safe Streets worker to be killed that year.
In the wake of the shooting, Baltimore's then-Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the killing as a 'weak cowardly act' and urged the police commissioner to prioritize the investigation into Wilson's death. Authorities appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible for the death of a man who had turned his own life around to save others. A candlelight vigil was held in his honor, where his wife and community members mourned the loss of a man who was born, raised, and ultimately died in the neighborhood he so deeply loved. Despite the public outcry and the pleas for justice from city officials, there have been no public announcements regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in the killing of Kenyell Benny Wilson. The case, it appears, remains an unsolved tragedy, a stark reminder of the pervasive violence that continues to claim lives.
