William "Billy" Benson, a 28-year-old male of unspecified ethnicity, tragically lost his life on January 22, 2018, in London, Ohio. Benson was a quiet and gentle individual who enjoyed exotic cars and gaming with his best friend Zachary Edmund. His life was cut short during a violent home invasion that turned into a deadly shootout at the Madison Lamplight Apartments.
On the night of the incident, two attackers forcibly entered apartment 10C, where Benson and Edmund resided. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued inside the apartment and spilled out into the front yard. During the chaos, Benson was shot and killed in his own front yard, while Edmund managed to escape and seek help from neighbors. Edmund was rushed to the hospital and survived, though he sustained serious injuries.
The attackers were identified as Justin Coffey, 24, who later died at a hospital in Columbus, and an unidentified man who checked himself into a hospital in Springfield with gunshot wounds. The latter is believed to be the trigger man and remains a suspect in the case. Police have been working diligently to identify this suspect and gather evidence to build a case against him.
The incident shocked the community, as London had not experienced a murder in nearly a decade. Neighbors and police alike were stunned by the violence that erupted in what was typically a quiet neighborhood. The investigation into Benson's death continues, with authorities seeking justice for the young man and his family.
In the aftermath of the shooting, questions have been raised about the security measures at the apartment complex and whether earlier reports of suspicious activity could have prevented the tragedy. The property manager declined to comment on these accusations, leaving residents to wonder if more could have been done to ensure their safety.
Benson's death has left a lasting impact on his friends, family, and the community, who remember him as a kind and gentle soul who loved spending time with those close to him. The investigation remains ongoing, with hopes that justice will be served for Benson and his loved ones.
