Arrest made in murder of Palm Beach County Deputy who died protecting his 5-year-old daughter

A suspect has been arrested in the case of a corrections deputy who was shot and killed in south Florida last week.

Kevin Benette, 32, was arrested on Thursday and faces charges of first-degree murder, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff.

Palm Beach County Corrections Deputy Basil Powell was “targeted and ambushed while returning home” last week in Belle Glade. 

Palm Beach County Corrections Deputy Basil Powell was “targeted and ambushed while returning home” Monday night to Belle Glade. 

Bradshaw says the motive is clear.

Bradshaw mentioned that the girlfriend of Powell was previously in a relationship with the suspect. This seemed to greatly disturb and anger Powell, leading to the decision to harm the deputy. Bradshaw stated that the motive behind the crime was quite obvious.

During the press conference, the sheriff took time to praise the detectives involved in making the arrest.

Bradshaw commended the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement team, highlighting that they worked tirelessly, even sacrificing sleep to gather strong forensic evidence. He praised their commitment to resolving a challenging case from the outset.

He says this is the fourth deputy they have lost in less than 90 days.