In a tragic incident last week, a corrections deputy in South Florida was fatally shot while returning home. Authorities have now arrested 32-year-old Kevin Benette, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Deputy Basil Powell.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that Deputy Powell was "targeted and ambushed" outside his Belle Glade residence. Security footage reveals a chilling scene: Powell and his five-year-old daughter exiting their vehicle when a gunman, later identified as Benette, opened fire from approximately 25 feet away. Court documents indicate that Powell heroically shielded his daughter with his body as shots rang out.

Sheriff Bradshaw described the suspect as having a history of violence, with prior charges including battery, aggravated battery, burglary, theft, aggravated domestic stalking, domestic violence by strangulation, and false imprisonment. He expressed frustration over the senseless nature of the crime, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers across the nation.

The motive for the attack, according to Sheriff Bradshaw, appears to be linked to a prior relationship between Powell's girlfriend and the suspect. He indicated that Benette was deeply disturbed by the situation, leading him to target the deputy. Sheriff Bradshaw commended the detectives for their tireless work in swiftly apprehending the suspect and gathering forensic evidence. He also noted the profound impact of this loss, as it marks the fourth deputy death for the department in under three months.