Palm Beach County State Attorney Alexcia Cox announces that a grand jury has indicted Kevin Benette, 32, on a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm in the Feb. 10 shooting death of Deputy Sheriff Basil Powell.

The shooting occurred in Belle Glade, while Deputy Powell was off duty. He served as a deputy assigned to the West County Corrections Center.

“This indictment is a critical first step towards justice for Deputy Powell’s family, his colleagues, and our community, Cox said. “Deputy Powell went to work every day serving and protecting the people of Palm Beach County, and his life was taken by a senseless act of violence. The State Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and we will vigorously prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw also responded to the indictment, stating, “This is a victory – for justice, for the Powell family, and for every past and present PBSO – Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office employee who serves with honor in law enforcement.”

The indictment also includes a second count of attempted second-degree murder concerning the victim’s daughter.

Public Information Officer Marc Freeman

mfreeman@sa15.org

561-355-7263