ROCKLIN, Calif. – A man, labeled the “Tinder killer” by local authorities, has been sentenced to 71 years to life in prison for a horrific attack that resulted in the death of one man and the torture of a woman he met through the dating app Tinder. Damon Allen Benson, 31, was found guilty of murder, torture, and mayhem for his actions in the “horrific love triangle murder plot.”
According to the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, Benson, his female victim, and the other male victim all met separately on Tinder, leading to jealousy, torture, and ultimately, murder. The love triangle culminated in a tragic incident in which Benson ambushed the male victim in his home, leading to his untimely death.
The female victim reported that Benson tortured her extensively, including carving a swastika into her back and holding her against her will in his apartment. She also alleged that Benson became suspicious of her relationship with the male victim and resorted to extreme forms of torture to extract information from her.
In a statement, Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jeffery Moore expressed that the verdict and sentencing were a day for justice for the victim and his family. “We recognize this verdict will not bring [the victim] back and that we cannot undo what this defendant has done to their family,” Moore said. “Removing Benson from society is the only way to ensure he doesn’t victimize anyone again.”
The case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of online dating and the devastating consequences that can arise from jealousy and obsession. The sentencing of Benson brings a semblance of closure to the victims and their families, although it cannot erase the trauma they have endured. The ripple effects of such tragedies are far-reaching and serve as a call for increased awareness of the risks associated with online interactions.