Brighton, CO – The Brighton Police Department has charged James “Jaime” Benavidez, 50, with first-degree murder and unlawful termination of pregnancy following the death of 32-year-old Keeley Koff, a pregnant woman, who was found dead inside a car on Friday in the Denver metro area.
Discovery of the Body and New Charges
Police responded to a report on Saturday morning about an abandoned car on a residential street, about a mile north of Koff’s residence on South 8th Avenue. Inside the vehicle, they found Keeley Koff’s body, with signs that she had been shot.
Brighton PD has filed additional charges against Benavidez, who was already in Adams County Jail from an arrest on Thursday. The charges include auto theft and first-degree murder in connection to Koff’s death.
While details regarding the relationship between Benavidez and Koff have not been disclosed, police have confirmed that they were known to each other. No further information has been released about the time of her death or additional circumstances surrounding it.
Benavidez’s Prior Crime Spree
The arrest of James Benavidez came the day before Koff’s body was discovered. According to Brighton PD, Benavidez had been involved in a violent crime spree on Thursday prior to the murder. At a Murphy Express gas station on Bromley Lane, Benavidez allegedly attempted to rob a man of his vehicle, resulting in a physical struggle between the two. During the altercation, a gunshot was fired.
When police arrived at the scene, Benavidez fled on a bicycle, but the vehicle owner was able to provide a description matching that of the suspect. Moments later, police were notified of a stolen car from a nearby business. The stolen vehicle owner identified Benavidez as the thief, and police were able to locate him and begin a high-speed pursuit.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
The pursuit continued as Benavidez fled from Commerce City back toward Brighton. During the chase, Benavidez allegedly fired shots at pursuing police vehicles, hitting several but injuring no officers. In response, police returned fire, and Benavidez was wounded in the exchange. He was captured at 105th Avenue and Brighton Road, taken to the hospital for treatment, and later booked into jail by 10 p.m.
Benavidez’s criminal history includes multiple prior convictions and prison sentences in Colorado. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for the murder of Keeley Koff, where he is expected to be formally charged with her homicide.
Additional Charges for the Crime Spree
The Brighton Police Department has stated that they will add further charges against Benavidez, including attempted murder of several police officers related to his actions during the pursuit.
Conclusion
The case of Keeley Koff’s murder has shocked the Brighton community, with a man already facing criminal charges now being held accountable for the tragic death of a young pregnant woman. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to ensure justice is served.
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