Brighton, CO – A chilling crime unfolded in Brighton, Colorado, where James “Jaime” Benavidez, 50, allegedly shot his pregnant girlfriend, Keeley Koff, 32, dead inside their Chevrolet Silverado before embarking on a violent spree of carjacking and armed assault, according to court documents.
The brutal incident reportedly began early Thursday when Benavidez, who claimed to be battling PTSD and schizophrenia and said he was hearing voices “laughing at him,” shot Koff while they were driving together. He then abandoned her body in the Silverado and proceeded to attempt to steal multiple vehicles at gunpoint, escalating a terrifying crime rampage in broad daylight.
A Crime Spree Fueled by Mental Health Struggles
Benavidez’s series of violent acts began around 2 a.m. when surveillance footage records him abandoning the Silverado on a street where Koff’s body was later found. Hours later, he tried to steal cars at gunpoint, including an ex-girlfriend’s SUV at a dispensary where she was reportedly buying him a marijuana joint.
- At roughly 11 a.m., Benavidez attempted to carjack a man at a Murphy Express gas station—shooting the victim in the hand and demanding the vehicle at gunpoint.
- The victim described Benavidez as having distinctive face tattoos, including a “Texas star” and “Cholo”.
- Benavidez’s gun jammed during the second attempted shooting, allowing the victim to escape.
- He later visited an acquaintance and an ex-girlfriend before law enforcement caught up with him.
“The suspect had face tattoos and was on a bike,” the police affidavit notes, detailing the intensity and unpredictability of Benavidez’s actions that day.
High-Speed Police Pursuit and Armed Confrontation
Authorities found Benavidez at an address where he frequently stayed. Upon police attempt to detain him, he opened fire with a 9 mm handgun, shooting through his own vehicle’s rear window and striking a patrol car multiple times.
- The police chase lasted approximately 11 minutes, covering nearly 11 miles.
- Benavidez reached speeds exceeding 100 mph before stopping, surrendering in the middle of the road.
“James Benavidez came to a stop in the middle of the road, exited his vehicle, laid down in the road and surrendered,” stated the arrest affidavit.
The Aftermath and Charges Pending
Once in custody, Benavidez spoke about his mental health struggles and confessed to the killing, unaware initially that Koff’s body had been found. After being informed, he refused further statements. The pregnant woman’s tragic death, combined with Benavidez’s crime spree, has led to multiple charges including:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted murder
- Multiple counts of aggravated robbery
- Felony menacing
- Motor vehicle theft
Benavidez remains jailed at the Adams County Detention Center with bail set at $100,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
The unsettling series of events has left the Brighton community grappling with the severity of the crime and the implications of untreated mental health conditions potentially playing a significant role in violent behavior.
Experts emphasize the importance of mental health support and intervention, particularly for individuals experiencing serious disorders such as PTSD and schizophrenia, which were cited by Benavidez.
“This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health care and monitoring, especially for those with known trauma and psychosis,” said a local mental health professional.
What the Future Holds
As the justice system proceeds, investigators aim to piece together the timeline leading up to the murders and carjacking spree, while also addressing public safety concerns raised by this violent outburst.
- Ongoing psychological evaluations of Benavidez will likely influence his trial and sentencing.
- Authorities may increase community engagement and preventive measures to identify and assist individuals at risk of similar incidents.
What do you think about this case? Have you or someone you know experienced the impact of mental health issues on violence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
