A Montana man has been sentenced to 140 years in prison for the murders of his wife and a bartender, whom he suspected were having an affair. Kraig Walter Benson, 49, was convicted of two counts of deliberate homicide for killing his wife, Jenny Benson, 49, and bartender Logan Gardner, 43, on August 27, 2023, at the Four Aces Bar in Superior, Montana.
The tragic event unfolded when Kraig Benson, after an argument with his wife, went outside, smoked a cigarette, and retrieved a gun from her Chevrolet Tahoe. Surveillance footage from the bar and a neighboring business captured the chilling sequence of events. The video showed the Bensons sitting at a table before Kraig Benson returned with the firearm. At 9:19 p.m., he shot his wife in the head as patrons fled the scene. He then turned the gun on Gardner, who was attempting to escape, shooting him several times as he lay on the floor. Benson shot his wife again as she lay motionless before fleeing the scene, leaving the gun on the bar. He was apprehended shortly after driving erratically with a flat tire in Missoula County.
During his trial, Kraig Benson testified that his wife had told him she was not going home with him, but instead, she planned to go home with Logan Gardner. This statement, he claimed, led him to step outside before returning to the bar and ultimately committing the murders. At his sentencing, Benson expressed his sorrow, apologizing to his friends, family, and children. He also expressed grief over the loss of his wife, whom he described as his best friend and the love of his life.
Jenny Benson was remembered as a loving mother and a dedicated professional. She owned a horse stable and ranch and worked as a commercial real estate appraiser. She was known for her strong bond with her daughters, Paige and Tailor, and had a deep affection for her animals, particularly her dogs and horses. Logan Gardner, the bartender, was described as a warm and kind individual who could easily make friends with anyone. He was known for his big smile, friendly demeanor, and willingness to help others.
The impact of this tragedy has been felt deeply by both the victims’ families and the local community. Jenny’s father spoke out during the trial, expressing his hope that Kraig Benson would lead a miserable life in prison. Jenny’s daughter, in her testimony, shared her fear and sadness, stating that she no longer felt safe with her father in the world. Kraig’s sister also spoke, acknowledging the pain caused by the murders while expressing her sorrow for the division it caused within the family. Despite the defendant’s apology, the lasting grief and anger from the victims’ families and the community reflect the profound loss caused by this senseless act of violence.
