In a quiet Springdale, Maryland, home, a dispute escalated into a fatal encounter that claimed the life of 27-year-old Domonique Scott Hayes. On the morning of January 10, 2024, Hayes was shot and killed by his roommate, 38-year-old Richard Bennaugh. The catalyst for the deadly confrontation was reportedly an argument over a missing TV remote. The shooting occurred around 5:30 a.m., but it wasn't until approximately 12:30 p.m. that police were called to the residence on Berrywood Lane.
Inside, they discovered Hayes in his third-floor bedroom, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
The ensuing investigation brought to light a disturbing sequence of events. Bennaugh told detectives that he was awakened by Hayes, who was demanding to know the whereabouts of the remote control. He claimed that Hayes was holding two large knives, prompting him to retrieve his handgun. According to Bennaugh's account, Hayes allegedly said, 'you won't shoot me,' to which Bennaugh replied, 'there's only one way to find out,' before opening fire as Hayes advanced. However, the evidence at the scene, including multiple bullet holes leading to the victim's bedroom, suggested that Bennaugh continued to shoot as Hayes was running away. After the shooting, Bennaugh went back to sleep, later drove to a marijuana dispensary, and then returned home to smoke before friends urged him to contact the authorities. Investigators also found that Bennaugh had attempted to conceal evidence by flushing shell casings down the toilet.
Richard Bennaugh was arrested and initially charged with manslaughter and related offenses. The charges were later upgraded, and on June 3, 2025, he was convicted of second-degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, and tampering with evidence. Subsequently, Bennaugh was sentenced to 50 years in prison. During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Bennaugh was prohibited from owning a handgun due to a prior criminal conviction. Hayes's family, who had celebrated his 27th birthday just two days before his death, described the living situation as tense and said they had been trying to help him move out. His mother, Monique Scott, expressed her pain and relief at the verdict, stating, 'My son mattered, and he was chased out like a dog and murdered. And the jury, and the judge and everybody saw right through it.'
