A 50-year-old man from Brighton, Colorado is facing a long list of charges after allegedly murdering his pregnant girlfriend, attempting two carjackings, and shooting at a police officer, all during a violent, chaotic day in late August.
Authorities say James “Jaime” Benavidez admitted to killing Keeley Koff, 32, after hearing voices in his head “laughing at him”, according to newly released court documents.
Pregnant Woman Killed in Pickup Truck
Police say the events began early on August 28, when Benavidez shot and killed Koff, his pregnant girlfriend, while the two were inside a Chevrolet Silverado where they had been living. He later ditched the vehicle with her body inside, which officers discovered hours later.
Benavidez allegedly told investigators he was suffering from PTSD and schizophrenia and claimed he was “losing his mind” when the killing happened. The motive, according to him, was connected to hearing voices mocking him.
Carjacking Spree Begins Hours Later
Just a few hours after abandoning the Silverado, Benavidez began what police describe as a violent midday crime spree.
Around 11 a.m., Benavidez approached a man at a Murphy Express gas station, pulled a pistol, and attempted to steal his car.
The victim resisted and was shot in the hand during the struggle.
The gun reportedly jammed before Benavidez could fire a second shot, allowing the victim to escape as Benavidez fled the scene on a bicycle.
Stops at Associate’s and Ex-Girlfriend’s Homes
After the gas station incident, Benavidez allegedly:
Visited an associate who said Benavidez was acting “freaked out.”
Later went to his ex-girlfriend’s house, where she agreed to buy him a joint from Galaxy Greens Dispensary.
While she was inside, Benavidez allegedly stole her Dodge Nitro SUV and fled the scene.
Shoots at Officer During Police Pursuit
Police eventually tracked the stolen SUV to an address where Benavidez was known to stay. When an officer approached:
Benavidez opened fire from inside the vehicle, shooting five rounds through the rear window.
The bullets struck the officer’s patrol vehicle multiple times — including the windshield and hood — but the officer was not injured and returned fire.
Benavidez then led police on a high-speed chase reaching over 100 mph before surrendering back near the same location where the pursuit began.
Chilling Confession and Surveillance Footage
Once in custody, Benavidez allegedly spoke about the killing, claiming he had murdered Keeley Koff — though he didn’t yet know her body had already been found.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Benavidez abandoning the Silverado with Koff’s body inside around 2 a.m. — about seven hours before the gas station shooting.
Charges and Jail Status
Benavidez faces a long list of felony charges, including:
First-degree murder
Attempted murder
Aggravated robbery
Felony menacing
Motor vehicle theft
Weapons violations
He is currently being held at the Adams County Detention Center on $100,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
This deeply disturbing case highlights the intersection of mental illness, drug use, and extreme violence. With chilling details and multiple victims, James Benavidez’s case is likely to unfold as one of the more troubling criminal proceedings in Colorado this year.
Authorities are now working to piece together a full timeline of events while the community continues to grapple with the shocking loss of Keeley Koff and the violent rampage that followed.
