MT. VERNON, IL — A 68-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been convicted of first degree murder and murder involving mob action following a jury trial in Jefferson County’s Second Judicial Circuit Court on Wednesday. Eddie Bennett’s conviction stems from a previous investigation into the tragic death of Patrick Williamson, a beloved member of the community and car salesman at Monken Toyota.
Mt. Vernon Chief of Police Robert Brands issued the following statement:
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated officers and investigators who committed many hours to this case, ensuring a thorough and conclusive investigation. I also want to recognize Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun and Assistant State’s Attorney Blake Jennings for their unwavering commitment to this case which resulted in a successful prosecution.
Tragically, one of the oldest and most horrific crime—murder—claimed the life of Patrick Williamson. While no conviction can ever erase the pain of this loss, today’s verdict brings some justice to Mr. Williamson’s family. It also ensures Eddie Bennett is held accountable for his evil actions and no longer poses a threat to our community.
The Mt. Vernon Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to pursue justice for victims of violent crime and protect our community from those who seek to do harm. My deepest condolences remain with the family and friends of Patrick Williamson.”
Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28th, 2025.
60-year-old Laura Lee Beneway of Bonnie is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder involving a forcible felony (robbery), one count of concealing a homicidal death, and one count of obstructing justice. She’s scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on July 2nd.
66-year-old Peter M. Harris of Mt. Vernon is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder involving a forcible felony (robbery), one count of First-degree Murder (act of probability of death) and obstructing justice. He’s scheduled for his final pre-trail hearing on July 22nd with a jury trial set to begin July 29th.
(Original Story): The Mount Vernon community is mourning the loss of 57-year-old Patrick Williamson, a car salesman at Monken Toyota, who was found dead on Monday following an armed robbery. Three people are facing charges in connection with the murder of Williamson.
Mt. Vernon Police say 60-year-old Laura Lee Beneway of Bonnie is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder involving a forcible felony (robbery), one count of concealing a homicidal death, and one count of obstructing justice.
Sixty-seven-year-old Eddie G. Bennett of Mt. Vernon is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder forcible felony (robbery) and one count of First-degree Murder (act of probability of death).
Sixty-six-year-old Peter M. Harris of Mt. Vernon is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder involving a forcible felony (robbery), one count of First-degree Murder (act of probability of death) and obstructing justice.
Just after 5 a.m. Monday, police along with Mt. Vernon Fire and Litton’s Ambulance responded to the 600 block of South 15th Street for a report of a deceased man. Police determined that Williamson, who showed visible signs of injury, was murdered. Police detectives and the Jefferson County Coroner were called in to investigate the incident as a homicide. The investigation linked Beneway, Bennett, and Harris to the homicide. As the investigation progressed two individuals were taken into custody and the location of a possible third suspect was identified.
In response to this development, the Mt. Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office High Risk Team was deployed to take the third suspect into custody and secure the home for evidence. At 8:15 Monday night, the High-Risk Team served the search warrant in the 500 Block of South 17th Street. The third suspect was located and safely taken into custody. The Mt. Vernon Police Department conferred with the Jefferson County State’s Attorney throughout the investigation and arrested the three individuals mentioned earlier and charged them in connection with this homicide.