'I'll Get Her Home Safe' – The Chilling Words of a Boyfriend Accused of Murder
"I'll get her home safe. I'll take care of her, I promise." Those were allegeldy the reassuring words Markeem Benson gave to Renise Wolfe's mother before the 33-year-old tattoo artist was found dead the next day in a Las Vegas apartment. What began as a night of family celebration quickly turned into tragedy, leaving Wolfe's loved ones searching for answers and grappling with an unimaginable loss.
An Empty Promise
Renise Wolfe, a 33-year-old tattoo artist described as vibrant and talented, was last seen alive with her boyfriend, Markeem Benson, a 29-year-old felon. According to Wolfe's mother, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Benson assured her, "I'll get her home safe," the night before Wolfe was found dead in a Las Vegas apartment, sparking an investigation that quickly pointed to Benson as the prime suspect.
Events Leading Up to the Incident
On Dec. 21, 2024, Wolfe and Benson attended a holiday gathering with family, where they initially seemed to be getting along. However, the situation turned tense when a woman known to Benson arrived, leading to an argument between the couple. Benson, who was described in police reports as highly possessive, reportedly had a history of conflict and physical altercations.
Later that evening, the couple returned to an apartment located on East Rome Boulevard near Centennial Parkway and 5th Street. According to Benson's father, a confrontation occurred, during which Wolfe allegedly armed herself with a gun. A struggle ensued, during which the firearm discharged.
Following the incident, Benson contacted his family, stating that he had done "something bad." His father subsequently alerted authorities, explaining that Benson admitted, "I killed her, I think I killed her," according to the New York Post. It was further revealed that Benson delayed reporting the incident for nearly nine hours, claiming he had fallen asleep afterward.
Police reports indicate that Wolfe sustained four gunshot wounds to the back of her head. Investigators noted that the angle of the shots suggested Benson was standing over her when he fired. Wolfe's mother, in an interview with KLAS, described the horrific details, saying, "He shot her while she was laying on the ground in a fetal position, behind the ear, what does that tell you?" as reported by the New York Post.
The Allegations Against Benson
Authorities allege that Benson shot Wolfe in an act of premeditated violence. Investigators revealed that Benson had a history of criminal behavior and was on probation for home invasion and attempted robbery at the time of the incident.
Wolfe's family, however, shared that Benson, who had only been dating Wolfe for five months, had seemed like a caring and devoted partner. His behavior in interactions with Wolfe and her loved ones gave no indication of the violence to come.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Benson has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm. As the case unfolds, Benson remains in custody, facing these charges alongside probation violations. Prosecutors are building a case that emphasizes the deliberate nature of the crime.
The tragic loss of Renise Wolfe has left her family and loved ones struggling to comprehend how someone they trusted could shatter their world, leaving them with unanswered questions and unimaginable grief.
References: Boyfriend Allegedly Promised Girlfriend's Mom, 'I'll Get Her Home Safe.' Now He's Accused of Murdering Her | Families fight outside Vegas court after murder hearing for felon accused of gunning down girlfriend | 'I'll take care of her': Boyfriend murders new girlfriend after promising her mom the night before she was found dead that he'd 'get her home safe,' cops say | 'Beautiful soul': Family IDs woman shot, killed by boyfriend in North Las Vegas
