Stephanie Bennett Murder: It Takes What It Takes

h/t reader Randy.

Yes,we all want every crime solved as soon as possible, even though some are more complex or difficult than others. And we'd like to believe we always get to the bottom of things quickly here in America, with our sophisticated law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, it isn't always so.

The Stephanie Bennett murder, as unfortunate as it was, can be a lesson for us all. If there is anything that can solve a crime it is patience and perseverance. That doesn't always mean running after the first idea that feels right, or giving into unsupported accusations and anger. It means time, old fashion police work and determination, so that eventually nearly every tragic puzzle can be unraveled. Passion might feel good, but only logic supported by dilligence ultimately results in the evidence needed to convict and render a proper justice.

Raleigh police have arrested a suspect in a murder that shook the Triangle more than three years ago.

Drew Edward Planten, 35, of Raleigh, is charged in the murder of Stephanie Renee Bennett. Her body was discovered in her Lake Lynn Drive apartment on May 21, 2002.

Police said they arrested Planten without incident just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on Reedy Creek Road. In a statement Wednesday evening, Raleigh Police Chief Jane Perlov commended her investigators.

"Making an arrest in this case has remained a priority for the Raleigh Police Department since the moment officers responded to the crime scene more than three years ago," said Chief of Police Jane Perlov. "In the end, the case was solved by outstanding, old-fashioned police work coupled with modern science. I commend our detectives for a job well done and express appreciation to the SBI for valuable forensic support."

Comments

[Cindi in PA]

Glad this crime was solved. I know it takes time, my dad is retired LE. But I still pick up a paper, hear a news story and say,hmmmm it must have been so and so.

So many being arrested or cleared of crimes from years gone by through science. Makes me wonder, how many died in prison or were executed that were innocent. Several years ago we had two men that were clients of the innocence project. It was amazing the evidence they were convicted on. In once case, what was presented as physical evidence at the time, would have convinced me to.
Both men were on death row when released. One was convicted by bite marks on the womans arms. The castings seemed to be a perfect match. DNA, freed them both.

[LC]

I was very happy to hear last night that this case has been solved. Living near the Triangle area it was a relief to know that a killer was finally off of the streets! May this family finally have peace, and Stephanies soul RIP.

[absynth_minded]

Patience has always been and always will be the key to any investigation. (luck often following closely on its heels.)

I think we have a tendency to become jaded by crime dramas in which complicated cases are solved in an hour. (well, closer to 40 minutes, allotting for commercials.)

Hell, it takes longer than 40 minutes to get some LE out of the donut shop :)

[Sherrie Dillard]

My name is Sherrie Dillard and I was contacted
by Detective Ken Copeland of the Raleigh NC police dept.on the 8th of Aug. 2005 to help in the investigation
of Stephanie Bennett's murder. I worked with him all month
and met him at Bennetts apartment complex on Aug. 29th, 2005
I gave him and his partner a detailed description of the murderer
and showed them exactly where he lived at the time of the murder.
They obtained a DNA sample from the man I identified
and arrested him
I am a professional psychic.
I have email correspondence between
myself and Detective Copeland to back up what I am saying.

I feel like the truth should be told. There will be more murders, arrested when we are willing to open our minds.
Sherrie Dillard
sdillard1@nc.rr.com

Sherrie Dillard M. Div. C.Ht.
www.sherriedillard.com