Post by Scumhunter on May 13, 2015 1:47:33 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: amw.com archives)
Fugitive Profile as of May 13th, 2015 (based on 2011 AMW archive):
Full Name: James Alan Benson
Sex: Male
Race: White
Current Age: 32-34
Height: 5'9"
Hair (Color, Description, Facial Hair): Brown
Eyes: Brown
Traits and Habits: Benson is intrigued by Chinese culture and the country of China. Police say Benson has worked in Chinese restaurants, is familiar with the language and has a wife who currently lives in China.
Location information: Benson was last seen at his grandfather's house in Henderson County, N.C. Cops say he may try to flee to China and also has connections in Ohio and New York.
Last Seen: Benson was last seen at his grandfather's house on Humphrey Drive in Henderson County, N.C.
Other Possible Locations: Cleveland , OH, New York , NY, North Carolina, China. Benson has a wife in China and cops fear he may be trying to flee the country. He also has connections in Cleveland, New York and North Carolina.
Last Known Locations: Henderson County , NC, Benson was known to float between relatives houses and to stay with members of the Chinese community in Henderson County, N.C.
Who to call if you've seen him: Based on wanted location, our advice is to call Crime Stoppers of Henderson County (North Carolina) at (828) 697-STOP.
James Alan Benson was AMW's fugitive out of North Carolina for a few of their last ever "50 States/50 Fugitives" specials. Below is the archive description of his case:
Cops: Man Attacks Grandfather With Machete
Most grandparents welcome visits from their grandchildren, and James Benson's grandfather was no different.
Cops say James, 26, and his grandfather, 76-year-old Edward Benson, were on good terms, and James came and left his grandfather's home as he pleased.
But that was before James brutally attacked his grandfather with a machete and stole $200,000, according to police.
On Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, the night before Thanksgiving, cops say James came to his grandfather's house at about 11:50 p.m. and needed money.
Cops say James grabbed his grandfather by the throat and threatened to take his head off. Later, Edward was able to get his hands on a gun by claiming to need to use the restroom, but James took it away, according to police.
James demanded that his grandfather give him his $200,000 retirement savings from a safe in the house after police say he seriously injured him on the head, face and arms with the machete.
Grandson Has Links To China
Now police fear James might be trying to flee the country.
Cops say they don't know the motive for James' unthinkable crime, but he does have a wife in China who has been unable to come to the United States and owes an attorney who was working on the case.
They were married on Feb. 1, 2008, when cops say James was visiting China, but James returned when his visa expired.
James is intrigued by the Chinese culture and has worked in Chinese restaurants, according to police.
At first, police believed James might be driving a blue 1989 Volkswagon Jetta, but found the car in Edneyville, N.C. It was parked at a relative's house who is not involved and appeared to be inoperable.
Cops are not sure if James used the car on the night of the attack.
Police are unsure of his whereabouts or mode of transportation, but they know he has connections in Cleveland, New York and China.
He is described as a white male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes, and cops consider him armed and dangerous.
He is wanted on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted first degree murder.
Thoughts? This is a case where I'm just assuming Benson hasn't been caught since I've found nothing online to suggest otherwise. Once again, if anyone has proof of a capture, feel free to send your proof to us.
It is rather baffling why James would allegedly rob his own grandfather who he is said to have gotten along with. To rob and hold a machete up to the same man who apparently never treated you with anything but kindness is the definition of selfish.
As far as whereabouts, it is curious how it works if Benson gets caught in China. He's a U.S. citizen, but if he joins his wife there I assume he could be a Chinese citizen. I also assume the worst case scenario is he gets prosecuted there instead of here.
web.archive.org/web/20111031081730/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=61669
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