An active duty U.S. Marine stationed in Florida has been arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of a woman whose body was discovered in a pond in Alabama. The Marine, 20-year-old Willie Richard Ellington, was apprehended on December 18, 2024, the same day that 26-year-old Tshey Bennett’s body was found in Mobile, Alabama. Bennett had been reported missing on December 14, and her disappearance quickly became the focus of a homicide investigation.
Bennett, who had been working as an escort, was last seen on December 13 in the vicinity of a hotel in Pensacola, Florida. Investigators later connected Ellington to Bennett through their stay at the Sweet Dreams Inn in Pensacola, where they were believed to have met on the day she was last seen. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance raised suspicions from the outset, leading authorities to treat the case as a potential homicide.
Ellington, who was stationed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, was tracked by investigators to a bus station in Alabama. Authorities quickly set up surveillance, and when Ellington arrived at the station, they arrested him. He was later charged with first-degree murder in connection with Bennett’s death. Additionally, he faces charges related to the possession of child pornography, though details about this charge have not been fully disclosed.
Bennett’s body was discovered approximately 50 miles away from the hotel in Mobile, Alabama. Initial reports indicated that while her body was found in Alabama, the murder itself took place in Florida. Investigators have not publicly revealed the cause of Bennett’s death, but the discovery of her body and the subsequent arrest of Ellington have confirmed that foul play was involved.
Bennett was a mother to one child and had previously appeared on a reality show called “Skrippa Bootcamp,” which aired on HollyHoodTV and featured exotic dancers. Her involvement in the show brought her some public attention, although details of her personal life were largely kept private. Friends and family members have expressed their grief and disbelief over her tragic death.
The investigation into Bennett’s death is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to her disappearance and murder. While Ellington has been arrested and charged, law enforcement officials are continuing to explore the circumstances surrounding his connection to Bennett, including the nature of their relationship and the events that led to her death.
Ellington’s arrest has raised questions about the safety of individuals working in similar circumstances, particularly those in the escort industry. The case has also drawn attention to the dangers faced by people who may be vulnerable or in precarious situations, as well as the need for increased awareness and protection for individuals involved in such lines of work.
At present, Ellington remains in custody at the Lee County Detention Center without bail. His legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks, with prosecutors seeking justice for Bennett and her family. The case has shocked both the local communities in Florida and Alabama, and many are awaiting further details as the investigation continues.
As of now, the cause of Bennett’s death remains undisclosed, but the charges against Ellington suggest that the investigation has uncovered significant evidence. Authorities are committed to bringing closure to the case and ensuring that those responsible for her death are held accountable. The arrest of Ellington has provided a sense of relief to Bennett’s loved ones, but the broader implications of the case continue to resonate within the communities involved.
