September 10, 2019
On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office received information concerning a burglary that had just taken place at a residence outside of Beulaville on Highway 111 North. During the investigation, a suspect was developed and identified as Brian Markelle Benson from Beulaville. The 
investigation revealed that the victim heard the hammer falling forward while the firearm was being held to his head indicating that the suspect was pulling the trigger. The firing pin struck the primer on the bullet, however the cartridge failed to fire. Benson was arrested for multiple charges including robbery with a dangerous weapon, first degree burglary, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
A firearm was recovered in the case and the North Carolina State Crime Lab reported that the firearm was capable of firing. Based on this information, a warrant for attempted first degree murder was issued on June 12, 2019. The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve to warrant on Brian Markelle Benson and it soon became apparent that Benson was on the run from law enforcement. Attempts were made to locate and apprehend Benson over the next few months as investigators continued to gather information on Benson’s whereabouts.
On Sunday, September 8, 2019, deputies received information that Benson was at a residence on Willie Hatcher Road near Chinquapin causing a disturbance. Benson assaulted a female at that residence with a firearm and was considered armed and dangerous. Witnesses reported to deputies that Benson ran out of the back door of the residence into the wooded area. A perimeter was set up as additional units arrived on the scene to assist. Air support was called in to assist from the Wayne County Sheriff’s office as well as troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Also assisting was the Beulaville Police Department.
Information was received by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office that the suspect was seen running near several residences. A K-9 was deployed to track the suspect and he was quickly apprehended.
Benson was arrested and transported to the Duplin County Jail. Benson had numerous charges that were outstanding and also had failed to appear in court on numerous occasions. Brian Markelle Benson was placed in the Duplin County Jail under a $1,512,500.00 secure bond.