RICHFIELD, MN – A Richfield man faces a second-degree murder charge following the brutal death of his roommate, a case that has raised concerns about community supervision and the handling of individuals with complex criminal histories.
Authorities identified the suspect as 37-year-old Shay Michael Benson, who called emergency services early Sunday morning to report the discovery of a woman’s body in their home. Officers responded shortly after 5 a.m. to the reported address, where they found the victim lying in the shower with an extensive head injury. Police described heavy bleeding and an open wound to the woman’s forehead, as well as severe bruising around her eyes and a broken nose.
The criminal complaint details a chaotic crime scene. Blood was found in several areas throughout the home, including the victim’s downstairs bedroom. There, a 2-year-old girl—believed to be the victim’s daughter—was discovered sleeping with blood spatter on her arm. Investigators also found attempts to clean up evidence; bloody clothing, rugs, washcloths, and white men’s sneakers were discovered inside a running washing machine.
Surveillance footage obtained from a neighbor’s house offered critical clues. The video captured Benson and the victim walking down the driveway together late Saturday night, apparently engaged in an argument. The woman was last seen just before midnight, retrieving a broom and heading into the backyard. Minutes later, Benson was spotted returning alone, wearing the same white sneakers later found stained and washed.
According to the footage, Benson left the house around 3:30 a.m. in a change of shoes, entering a white SUV as a passenger, and did not return until just before 5 a.m.—mere minutes before dialing 911.
Law enforcement emphasized that no other individuals were seen entering or leaving the home during the hours before or after the suspected time of the assault, placing Benson as the sole person of interest.
An autopsy is underway, with complete findings pending. Initial examination confirms severe trauma as a possible cause of death.
A review of Benson’s background revealed a troubling history of violent and sexual offenses. Records show prior convictions for criminal sexual conduct resulting in injury, domestic assault by strangulation, and assault, with additional offenses related to failing to register as a predatory offender and multiple alcohol-related arrests. He previously served more than nine years in prison on a second-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction and remains under state supervision, though not in custody.
Legal records indicate that officials attempted to pursue civil commitment proceedings against Benson as his prison sentence neared its end, but the effort was dropped in 2022. Around the same time, mental health experts assessed him as suffering from mental illness, adding another layer of complexity to his supervision.
Community placement of offenders with complex criminal, psychological, and behavioral profiles continues to be a challenge, say veteran attorneys, as probation officers and courts work to balance public safety with rehabilitation. The case has prompted new scrutiny of current resources and practices across Minnesota for supervising offenders in the community.
Benson made his initial court appearance on Wednesday, dressed in an anti-suicide vest. A judge appointed a public defender and set bail at $1 million.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the final timeline of the victim’s death and await autopsy results.