A recent court appearance in North Las Vegas erupted into chaos when two families clashed outside a courthouse following a hearing related to a tragic murder case. The tension was palpable as family members gathered to support Renise Wolfe, a young woman who was tragically shot and killed, allegedly by her boyfriend, Markeem Benson.
Benson, who faces charges of open murder and possession of a firearm as a felon, was appearing for his arraignment in connection with Wolfe’s death, which occurred just last weekend. Eyewitnesses reported that the atmosphere turned hostile after the hearing, particularly when Wolfe’s father, Robert Wolfe, who is also a retired police officer, confronted Benson’s brother. Reports suggest that this was not a random encounter but a willful act of provocation from Benson’s family.
Following the initial confrontation inside the courthouse, Robert Wolfe had to be escorted to his car for his safety, but the situation escalated again outside, leading to a second argument. Thankfully, this second altercation did not lead to any physical violence, but it demonstrated the raw emotions and heartbreak surrounding this terrible incident. It remains unclear whether any charges will be filed against Robert Wolfe for his actions.
The relationship between Renise Wolfe and Markeem Benson was described as a short-lived romance, lasting only five months. Friends and family members of Wolfe noted that they seemed to be fine at a holiday gathering just before the incident, though tensions reportedly flared after an acquaintance of Benson’s showed up, leading to accusations of possessiveness. Witnesses have described Benson as having a history of being controlling and aggressive.
The evening of the shooting took place in an apartment after the couple left the gathering. According to reports, a heated argument broke out, and in a tense struggle, Wolfe allegedly pointed a gun at Benson. During this confrontation, he claims the gun went off, resulting in Wolfe being shot multiple times. It is reported that Benson called his family later that night, telling them he ‘did something bad.’
In a significant lapse of time, Benson did not call the authorities immediately after the incident. Instead, he remained silent for nearly nine hours before notifying his family of the shooting incident. His father, upon receiving the call, made the heartbreaking decision to contact the police. Unfortunately, when help arrived, it was much too late for Renise Wolfe.
Authorities have stated that Wolfe suffered four gunshot wounds to the back of her head, which investigators believe implies that Benson was standing over her when he fired. This detail is particularly troubling and has raised serious questions about the nature of the incident and the intentions behind it.
Wolfe’s grieving mother, Tracy Coleman, expressed her anguish over the way her daughter was killed, stating that Renise was shot while lying defenseless on the ground. She described the horrifying details of her daughter’s final moments, bringing to light the tragic reality of how domestic violence can escalate into fatal encounters.
As for Benson, he has been denied bail at his arraignment. The judge remarked on his criminal history, which includes felonies for home invasion and attempted robbery, as key considerations for his detention. Benson is currently held at the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center and is expected to make another court appearance at the end of January.
This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the severe implications of domestic violence and the importance of addressing these issues in society. As this tragic story unfolds, it continues to evoke strong emotions, underscoring the need for community dialogue and proactive measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
