Benjamin W. Fawley has admitted to police that he killed Taylor Marie Behl, saying it was an accident during a sexual encounter in which he restricted her breathing. In January a grand jury indicted him on a charge of first-degree murder. Last week authorities transferred him from the Richmond City Jail to Mathews County Circuit Court — in the jurisdiction where Behl’s body was found. A judge appointed an attorney to his case. He is now back at the city jail, awaiting a trial scheduled for May 30.
Ben Fawley took photographs of everything, including young women. I don’t know where he preferred to meet his subjects, and in the figurative pictures I recall, they appeared to be different adherents to a broadly defined subculture that valued expression and idiosyncratic lifestyles — nothing that alone could fairly be said to signal danger or social dysfunction. The photographs, however, share a weird similarity, a creepiness owed only to what we now know of Ben. His chosen backdrops were abandoned buildings amid decay or destruction — crumbling rafters, bulldozed facades, walls hammered by age — setting off the vulnerability and sexuality of a young woman.
Full article and perhaps a bit of additional insight into Ben Fawley and events immediately after Taylor Behl was strangled here.
vedder
mostly i was thankful - that she listened to the excellent advice on safety that was given by VCU when we went for her college visit and orientation - and that she took her parents seriously when we threatened her with the loss of every privilege she'd ever enjoyed (but most importantly her car)if we found out she was not paying attention to their advice and her own common sense
now she's graduated and working in richmond - not the safest place, but she's grown to really like living there - so i keep my fingers crossed and hope her caution and common sense will be enough to prevail against the dangers there
thank you for your kind comment
Posted by: raindrops | Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 07:11 PM
What about BF's massive collection of pornography? Shouldn't THAT have given this Cesca a little clue as to what kind of person her roommate was? Did she REALLY believe that the porn belonged to a previous tenant who had "died" and that Fawley intended to sell it all on Ebay? Ben Fawley gave her a lot of bullshit, and she always seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. I don't think most people who knew Fawley viewed him as a "nice" guy, unless they were the teenage girls he sought to seduce. Most people who did know him now say he always very, very strange and unstable.
Posted by: Cynthia | Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 07:24 PM
As far as the age issue thing, I think bf took full advantage of his young looks to take advantage of younger kids, especially girls. Perhaps they could not pinpoint that he was a crazy person right away. Did he have any "friends" his own age? I'm several years younger and I would not even fathom hanging out with someone like him. I'm only blaming one person, but just trying to figure it all out like everyone else. We all use bad judgement and make bad decisions at times and thank goodness it works out for the majority of us. I'm sure there are many "what if's" going around...
Posted by: abigail | Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 07:26 PM
now she's graduated and working in richmond - not the safest place, but she's grown to really like living there - so i keep my fingers crossed and hope her caution and common sense will be enough to prevail against the dangers there
thank you for your kind comment
Posted by: raindrops | Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Richmond is not really "unsafe". Most crimes, murders in general are drug related. Some are by people victims know. We've gotten a bad reputation in the past months, with warrent I know, but I'm sure your daughter will be safe as she seems to have a good head on her shoulders. I think in any city the same holds true. You have to make wise decisions and don't go run errands late at night as you may be caught in something you are completly unaware of. We live right outside the city limits in Bon Air and even though the closest store is within the city, after dark I head in the other direction. Not that I don't feel safe, but there are homeless people hanging out and I just don't want the hassle and yes I'll admit sometimes I feel uncomfortable, but I don't think I'll be a victim of a violent crime. I could be in denial, but that crap could happen anywhere. Richmond is full of culture, history and unfortunatly crime, but the good definatley outweighs the bad.
Posted by: abigail | Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 11:00 PM
abigail,
sorry, i didn't mean to sound like i don't like cities or richmond in particular. i head to richmond myself for the theater and big shopping trips - and never think twice about it! LOL - but, of course, i'm invincible and my daughter isn't. you know how that goes! i really prefer the city to the small town we are now living in - nothing to do x10. having been raised in virginia beach, i long for the excitement of city life.
Posted by: raindrops | Monday, February 06, 2006 at 05:31 PM
abigail,
sorry, i didn't mean to sound like i don't like cities or richmond in particular. i head to richmond myself for the theater and big shopping trips - and never think twice about it! LOL - but, of course, i'm invincible and my daughter isn't. you know how that goes! i really prefer the city to the small town we are now living in - nothing to do x10. having been raised in virginia beach, i long for the excitement of city life.
Posted by: raindrops | Monday, February 06, 2006 at 05:31 PM
raindrops,
yes, I know how much we worry about our kids rather than ourselves! It is ironic that we feel we are invincible compared to them, but the younger one is the more they feel that they are! Funny how the circle of life works! I'm more paranoid the older I get, but I'm here to look out for my "baby" and keep her safe and make sure she does not have a worry in the world. The only thing she worries about is aliens and ghosts, oh and the latest is Tornadoes.???? I think that's some school benefit thing which is good, but she's scared to death that we will lose our home and pets! Oh well, at least dreams of a 6th birthday party can comfort her a little! :) Don't know how that happened...6? I'm sure it's harder as the years go on--the more I have to let go. "Me not like".
Posted by: abigail | Monday, February 06, 2006 at 09:36 PM
What happened to the Porn charges for BF? Aren't they going to try him? Is there a court appearance scheduled yet? Or does the murder charge have precidence?
Posted by: Captain Joe | Monday, February 06, 2006 at 11:09 PM
It does not appear to be listed on the case website as it may be listed under juvenile cases which appear to not be public info.
Posted by: abigail | Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 12:20 AM
In "City Crime Statistics", an annual reference book, Richmond, VA came in FIFTH on the list of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. I'd say that's pretty dangerous. One of the latest murders is that of Michael Dobbs, a recent college graduate, shot dead after leaving the house of some friends in the Carytown area. He was found dead on the sidewalk of a single gunshot. No witnesses; the motive is thought to be "robbery". Twenty-two years old, and his life is snuffed out just like that. Richmond IS a dangerous city.
Posted by: Cynthia | Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 04:40 PM
In "City Crime Statistics", an annual reference book, Richmond, VA came in FIFTH on the list of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. I'd say that's pretty dangerous. One of the latest murders is that of Michael Dobbs, a recent college graduate, shot dead after leaving the house of some friends in the Carytown area. He was found dead on the sidewalk of a single gunshot. No witnesses; the motive is thought to be "robbery". Twenty-two years old, and his life is snuffed out just like that. Richmond IS a dangerous city.
Posted by: Cynthia | Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 04:40 PM
True that in 2004 we were fifth and 2006 is not looking too good. There are blocks that are considered safe and go 2 blocks down and it's not so great. Carytown is all cute with little shops but going east (one-way at that point anyway) to the right is not as safe as the blocks to the left--leading up to Boulevard. It's all about where you go, what time you go in some "hoods". When I was younger I was "invincible" in all parts of the city. Running around, getting dropped off at the Cellar Door at Broad and Boulevard. How did I back then convince my mom it was safe? No clue and I'm lucky. Would I go there now and hang out after dark, heck no! It's all a case of if I knew then what I know now sort of thing. Still, I could be shot in Midlothian by a bank robber, I could have been killed by the Snipers in Asland...Like I mentioned before Richmond is a prime stop for dealers and people on the run. I95 is perfect--runs from FL to New England. I'm not proud of Richmonds crime history as this is not the first time we've made the "list", but as far as the "bf" types go, they are everywhere. He would have snapped eventually in any town because he's a crazy person.
NBC12 is doing "story" in a few on bf, so I'm off for now....
Posted by: abigail | Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 11:00 PM
I am curious about whats happened in Richmond to make it so dangerous. I know about it being on I-95 and the drug trade but what else is there? Something else is going on. As for BF he was in and around VCU. He was NOT in Charlottesville or Blacksburg. Do you think he could have fit in there? I dont think so.
Posted by: nova | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 09:25 AM
After the trial and after the true crime books are written about this case someone will want to make a made for tv movie. What actors and actresses do you think should play the parts of Taylor,Rachel,Erin,Ben,Mike,Janet,Matt,Sam Forrest,Mike's mother,Cesca,Jesse,Kevin,Jonathan and any others that I have forgotten.
I like Wynona Ryder for Erin and Jim Carey for Ben(I dont think Johnny Depp would take the role). I am too old to know the younger actors and actresses. Maybe a cast of unknowns would be best. What do ou think?
Posted by: nova | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Anne Hathaway as Taylor
Posted by: St. Lucia | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 04:04 PM
I like Bill Moseley as Ben, Sheri Moon as Rachel, Rob Zombie as Mike, Paris Hilton (dye her hair!) as Erin, Elizabeth Shue as Janet.
Posted by: St. Lucia | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 04:16 PM
I am curious about whats happened in Richmond to make it so dangerous. I know about it being on I-95 and the drug trade but what else is there? Something else is going on. As for BF he was in and around VCU. He was NOT in Charlottesville or Blacksburg. Do you think he could have fit in there? I dont think so.
Posted by: nova | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 09:25 AM
Everyone stops taking their meds!
I think bf is sort of like a chameleon, he could change and fit in (at first) anywhere.
Posted by: abigail | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 08:14 PM
Abagail: You may be right. But somehow I dont see Goths in Blacksburg or Charlottesville. I read somewhere the reason BF was in Richmond is because that is where his car broke down. He would have flipped out eventually anywhere. Yep. Not taking his meds did it. He must be well medicated in prison. It must drive him nuts that he cant use a computer in jail.
Posted by: nova | Thursday, February 09, 2006 at 02:57 PM
nova,
Yeah, you're probably right about the goth/skater thing not being in Blacksburg or Charlottesville, but I just now asked my husband (while I typed that first part) about when he went to VT and he graduated in '89, about "artsy fartsy" folks at school and could you tell them apart and he said, "yeah, they mostly dressed in black, but nothing like the numbers you find at VCU." And that was before I graduated high school--man he's old! :)
I hope bf is not medicated in prison, I hope those voices in his head are causing him to go more insane then he already is! Ha, I never thought about the computer thing in jail! That's hilarious! Poor little weanie boy.
Off to watch Survivor and distance myself from the violence of the world for at least an hour! Later----
Posted by: abigail | Thursday, February 09, 2006 at 07:56 PM
Janet on NBC 12 tonight at 11--well, I'm sure it's taped..
Posted by: abigail | Thursday, February 09, 2006 at 10:55 PM
Hey Nova :-)
You asked "Do you think he could have fit in there? I dont think so." about bf fitting in in Blacksburg or Charlottesville. Well I personally think that he would. He may not be goth then although there are Goth in c'ville, but he would have made himself "fit in" to what ever culture he would have landed in in those cities as well. I think it would not have mattered what city any where in the world he would have been in he could have found enough people to copy that he could have held it together for a while at least.
Posted by: justathought | Friday, February 10, 2006 at 11:43 AM
Maybe so. Maybe so. Still the scene in Richmond and around VCU seems to have been made for him to blend into. I think he was living an adolescence he never had while he was in jail previously.
Posted by: nova | Friday, February 10, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Here's a link to update on Fawley case w/pictures...
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-news-fawleybehltrial,0,2081407.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
Posted by: donho | Friday, February 10, 2006 at 06:51 PM
You've got to be freaking kidding me! Sorry Dan, I copied and pasted, but it's not that long! :)
Fawley's lawyers want case thrown out
From NBC12 News
Friday, February 10, 2006
See Video
Lawyers for Benjamin Fawley, the man charged in the death of Virginia Commonwealth University student Taylor Behl, want his case thrown out. Defense attorneys filed a motion Thursday in Mathews County saying the indictment contains a list of possible charges that make his murder indictment unclear.
Fawley also wants to hire a sexual behavior expert to explain a sexual act in which the breathing is restricted to heighten pleasure. He claims Behl died during "rough sex."
(c) 2006. Jefferson Pilot Communications Company of Virginia. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted by: abigail | Friday, February 10, 2006 at 07:19 PM
I did some checking to find out the number of students enrolled at VCU. It is listed as having 32,000 students. And that includes the Medical College of Virginia. I was amazed. VCU was a small school back in the 1960s. No wonder they have housing problems.
Posted by: nova | Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 09:21 AM
Abigail,Thanks for the post.My blood is boiling as I can't believe they want to hire a sexual behavior expert it just blows my mind.I still don't think a jury will see this case as an accidental death.A big key factor is going to be how long her body laid out in the woods. No accident here Fawley knew what he was doing and it was a choice he morally made.In my opinion if Fawley had come forward when it happened or a week later a jury might believe his story.By the way have you heard from Rick or Bob?? I miss their posts.
Posted by: Diane | Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 07:59 PM
Nova - I had to chuckle at your comments about VCU having housing problems with 32,000 students. When I was in college, the school had around 7,500 students and had housing problems! I have to agree - 32,000 is size of a small city! I wonder how many students are non-resident students - the ones not requiring housing?
Posted by: IslandHney | Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 09:52 PM
By the way have you heard from Rick or Bob?? I miss their posts.
Posted by: Diane
Rick checks in occasionally without comment for fear of blowing the page up. ;-)
Rick
Posted by: Rick | Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 12:55 PM
heh! Diane, there's Rick and I hear from Bob via email occasionally. Bob said he will come back when the trial starts and things pick up. Hope we don't have to wait that long! :)
Posted by: abigail | Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 06:42 PM
Place is a crypt Abby.
Posted by: Rick | Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 07:05 PM
Hey Rick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We Have Missed YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justathought | Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 10:18 PM
IslandHney - Many of their students are non-residential students. The only students who are guaranteed dorm rooms are incoming freshmen. After that many students move to apartments. VCU also has a huge day student population. It's location makes it very attractive to people who live in small towns within driving distance for undergraduate and graduate night classes as well. When people hear the 32,000 figure they tend to think of that many people being in traditional classes, but that isn't the case. VCU's urban setting creates a variety of learning situations designed to meet the needs of traditional and non-traditional students. I don't mean to sound like the university catalogue, but since my daughter just graduated from there recently, we've had a lot of experience dealing with its procedures, etc.
And I believe the fact that there are so many older students would make it easier for someone like BF to blend in. Students are used to seeing tremendous diversity on campus; therefore, no one really stands out as being "too different."
Posted by: raindrops | Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 11:54 PM
Thanks raindrops for the info. Too bad those dorms for freshmen women dont have curfews. By the way if they go out late at night dont they have to sign out at the front desk or something like that?
Posted by: nova | Monday, February 13, 2006 at 07:58 AM
http://www.wwbt.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WWBT%2FMGArticle%2FWBT_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137834059609
BF back in court today...
I hope he holds his breathe.
Posted by: teresa | Monday, February 13, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Fawley indictment changes
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-fawleyfeb13,0,3667360.story?coll=dp-widget-news
Posted by: donho | Monday, February 13, 2006 at 06:34 PM
More on today's hearing: and this is even more troubling than the effort to smear Taylor...Just because they dropped the additional charges (while in the commission of rape, sodomy, or abduction) why does that eliminate premeditation resulting in 2nd degree murder?
http://www.wwbt.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WWBT/MGArticle/WBT_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137834070407
Posted by: k | Monday, February 13, 2006 at 10:53 PM
Sounds to me like Taylor fought back and got a few licks in. In my mind, that speaks volumes for what was done to her. I just wish it was enough to constitute for more serious charges.
Posted by: absynthminded | Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 03:48 PM