A Maryland man will spend five decades in prison after killing his roommate over an argument about a TV remote, a judge ruled this week.
Conviction and Sentencing
Richard Bennaugh, 40, was convicted of second-degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime, and tampering with evidence for the shooting death of 27-year-old Dominique Scott Hayes.
On Friday, Bennaugh was sentenced to 50 years in state prison by a judge in Prince George’s County, as confirmed by the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
State’s Attorney Statement
State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson expressed that the sentence was about honoring the victim’s life and acknowledging the pain his family has experienced. She added that while no sentence could ease the grief of the victim’s family, the outcome would hopefully bring them some comfort.
Jackson praised the efforts of the prosecution and law enforcement for their dedication to seeking justice.
Details of the Incident
On January 10, 2024, Bennaugh shot and killed Scott Hayes at their shared residence on Berrywood Lane in Springdale, near Washington, D.C. Bennaugh claimed the shooting was in self-defense following an escalating dispute over the TV remote.
He stated that after waking up to his roommate’s noise early in the morning, Scott Hayes demanded to know the location of the remote.
Bennaugh claimed he ignored Scott Hayes initially but grew concerned when he saw his roommate allegedly holding two large knives. Bennaugh said he then retrieved his firearm, and after a brief exchange of words, shot Scott Hayes. Bennaugh contended that he did not know if he had hit his roommate and returned to sleep.
Prosecution’s Argument
Prosecutors rejected Bennaugh’s self-defense claim, asserting that he fired repeatedly at Scott Hayes, even as the victim tried to flee from the gunfire. The jury ultimately sided with the state’s version of events, concluding that Bennaugh had murdered Scott Hayes.
Family’s Reaction
The mother of the victim, in her emotional comments, stated, “My son mattered and was chased down like a dog and murdered, and the jury and the judge saw right through it.” She expressed limited faith in the justice system but acknowledged that it had worked in this case.
