In the days leading up to Christmas, a tragedy unfolded in North Las Vegas that cut short the life of Renise "NeNe" Wolfe, a 33-year-old female and beloved tattoo artist. She was found deceased in her apartment on or around Sunday, December 22, 2024, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. The promising life of a woman described by her family as a "beautiful soul" was abruptly ended, leaving a community and her loved ones in mourning.
The night before her death, Wolfe and her boyfriend of
five months, 29-year-old Markeem Benson, had attended a family holiday party. In a chilling exchange that would later haunt her family, Wolfe's mother, Tracy Coleman, asked Benson to ensure her daughter got home safely. Benson reportedly promised to take care of her. It was the last time Coleman would see her daughter alive. The following day, Wolfe was discovered in her apartment in the 100 block of East Rome Boulevard, having been shot four times in the back of the head.
The investigation quickly focused on Markeem Benson. It was Benson's own father who contacted the North Las Vegas Police, stating that his son wanted to turn himself in for the shooting. Following his arrest, Benson was charged with open murder with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At the time of the incident, he was on probation for prior convictions of home invasion and attempted robbery. Prosecutors revealed in court that doorbell camera footage captured Benson threatening Wolfe as he entered her apartment, saying, "I just almost want to kill you, b***h."
Benson claimed that he shot Wolfe in self-defense during a struggle over the gun, but prosecutors have stated there is no evidence to support this claim, citing the location of the gunshot wounds as evidence to the contrary. Benson was denied bail and remains in custody. The tragic event has been a devastating blow to Wolfe's family, who have vowed to attend every court hearing to seek justice for a woman who touched many lives with her art and vibrant spirit. A GoFundMe was started to help with her memorial services, raising over $10,000. Her mother remembered her as a creative and kind person who had a passion for her work as a tattoo artist in the Arts District and was cherished by her clients and family.
