A judge in upstate New York admonished a convicted murderer for his lack of remorse during his sentencing hearing, calling his behavior “narcissistic” after he complained about attending the court session. The convicted individual, Adam R. Bennefield, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his estranged wife, Ke’Aira Bennefield. The crime occurred on October 5, 2022, when Bennefield deliberately crashed his pickup truck into his wife’s car in Buffalo. After the crash, he approached the vehicle, where three children were present, and shot his wife with a shotgun, killing her on the spot.
During the trial, Ke’Aira Bennefield’s 12-year-old daughter bravely testified against her mother’s killer. The jury convicted Bennefield after a brief deliberation, finding him guilty of second-degree murder, aggravated criminal contempt, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors had requested the maximum sentence, citing Bennefield’s complete lack of remorse for the murder and his violent criminal history.
Bennefield, 47, had a previous conviction for armed kidnapping, having served a 15-year prison sentence for the crime, which involved abducting two women, including an ex-girlfriend. Despite his violent past, Bennefield’s response at his sentencing hearing showed no contrition for the brutal killing of his wife. Instead, he focused on grievances, claiming that prosecutors had withheld evidence and that the jury, which was all white, was biased against him. He also expressed his unwillingness to be present at the hearing, stating, “I don’t want to be here.”
This lack of remorse prompted a sharp response from State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller. As Bennefield continued to complain, the judge interrupted him, stating, “You’re here because a jury convicted you of brutally killing your wife.” Bennefield persisted in his complaints, prompting Boller to call him a “narcissist.” The judge then further chastised him, telling him to “shut up” when he continued to argue. Eventually, Boller ordered Bennefield removed from the courtroom, apologizing to the victim’s family for having to witness the defendant’s behavior.
In his remarks, Justice Boller expressed regret that he could not impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole, as he believed Bennefield deserved such a punishment. However, he was bound by the law, which allowed for a sentence of 25 years to life for second-degree murder. Boller made it clear that the maximum sentence was the appropriate punishment for a man who had committed such a cold-blooded act in front of children.
The crime had a profound impact on the victim’s family, particularly her children, who witnessed the horrific murder. Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane praised the strength and courage of the victim’s daughter for testifying against her mother’s killer. Keane described the murder as “callous” and “cold-blooded,” highlighting the defendant’s intentional act of shooting his wife in the head in the presence of her children.
The case has drawn attention not only for the brutal nature of the crime but also for the defendant’s behavior during the sentencing hearing. Bennefield’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions and his narcissistic attitude further emphasized the severity of his crime. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for justice for victims and their families.
