Justice For Duke

Friday, July 8th around 7:45 pm our community lost one of the kindest souls to ever come out of Brunswick County. Tyrance “Duke” Benbow, only 21 years old was suspiciously being followed which ended in an unlawful chase. Unfortunately resulting in the death of Tyrance. After being assaulted by officers in Brunswick County once before Tyrance stated he wanted to make it home before he stopped the car which was roughly 3 miles away from the wreckage. He spoke to his girlfriend and best friend letting them both know he wanted to make it home. He also let his best friend know when Officer Joe Cherry got directly behind him, this is the officer who had already threatened his life by stating “when I get ahold of Duke, I will hang him”. After both conversations the phone with him they could hear the pain and fear in his voice. Following the accident Duke’s mother was not allowed to go to the accident scene which she was already worried they were going to beat him as soon as she heard he was being pulled over. Ms. Becky LaSalle, Duke’s mother left the scene after being informed that Duke did not make it, and she needed to go to the hospital if she wanted to see him. she anticipated seeing her son as she was told at the scene, she would be able to view him. After arriving to the hospital, she was met by 6 officers. They wouldn’t allow her to go in, she had no clue for hours Friday night if her son was even at Brunswick Novant Medical Center, she got mixed information all night from different Brunswick County Officers as well as being mocked and laughed at as she was grieving her son. After being told, she was not allowed to enter the hospital her close friends and family waited outside the ER entrance to hear from the medical examiner whom the officers previously stated was conducting a medical examination. Later, a female officer approached the family stating “I have good news for you guys, the medical examiner will not be in tonight, so you guys can go home.” No where in her statement was any bit of good news for his mother. Family and Friends watched as officers kept coming and coming but no one had any answers for Dukes mother. As undercover officer approached and stated the following to his mother “We have had to hand over the investigation of the accident to the NC State Highway Patrol.” In the meantime, a man who worked as the cleaning staff for the hospital approached the family saying the medical examiner (who we were told was not there) said it would be at least a week before she was able to see her son while they conduct an unauthorized autopsy that the mother never consented to. Which caused the family and his mother much pain to know they couldn’t see him.

Tyrance “Duke” Benbow born March 28th, 2001, he was a kind, gentle and caring soul who would help anyone in need. He may have only been 21 years old, but he had a heart of gold. He did for so many people in his neighborhood and he never asked for things in return. He was a friend to many, he made so many people laugh, and I don’t think I have ever seen him get mad because he would laugh it off anyways!! This world could use more Dukes, his soul was always shining. Our county took some of that light away, but we will get it back by getting justice for him!! He will be missed by so many people. A family can never prepare well enough for a tragedy like this, we are asking for the community to please help this family lay Tyrance “Duke” Benbow to rest and receive the justice he deserves. Anything will be much appreciated; all proceeds will go to Becky LaSalle. Please keep the family in your prayers.

#JusticeforDUKE

#LLDUKE