Richard Bennaugh shot and killed his roommate, Richard Bennaugh, authorities said. (Mug shot: Prince George’s County Police Department; screenshot of the apartment complex: WRC)
A Maryland man insisted that he shot his roommate in self-defense, but admitted he only called 911 after going back to sleep, buying some marijuana, and communicating with people who implored him to contact authorities, according to court documents obtained by Washington, D.C., NBC affiliate WRC and Fox affiliate WTTG.
Richard Bennaugh, 38, is charged with manslaughter, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and possession of a firearm as someone convicted of a violent felony, show from Prince George’s County show.
In an emotional interview, the family of the victim, Domonique Scott Hayes, 27, said they had seen him on his birthday on Monday, Jan. 8. His mother, Monique Scott, told WRC there were no indications of trouble.
“One of the funniest guys I knew,” his sister, Monique Scott-Hayes, said.
According to reported court documents, Bennaugh allegedly claimed he was sleeping in the living room on the second floor at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday when he woke up at 5:30 a.m. to Scott Hayes “making a lot of noise.” Several minutes later, Scott Hayes yelled for the TV remote’s location.
Bennaugh allegedly claimed to ignore him, then heard Scott Hayes walk behind the sofa, demanding the remote’s location.
In documents, the defendant said he took off the blanket from his head to find Scott Hayes holding two large knives. Bennaugh allegedly said he grabbed his own gun and pointed it at Scott Hayes.
Scott Hayes backed off at first, but then said Bennaugh would not shoot, the defendant allegedly told police.
“There’s only one way to find out,” Bennaugh allegedly said, pointing the gun. He then allegedly opened fire on Scott Hayes when he approached, according to his reported statement.
Bennaugh allegedly asserted that Scott Hayes ran upstairs to his room on the third floor. Having seen bullet holes but no blood, the defendant said he did not think he actually shot Scott Hayes and said he went back to sleep.
Bennaugh allegedly claimed he drove to a friend’s home in the community of Lanham, Maryland, to talk about what happened, drove to a marijuana dispensary where he made an approximately $50 purchase, and returned home to smoke.
He gathered the fired bullet casings, flushed them down the toilet, and swept dust from the wall damage, he allegedly said.
Bennaugh allegedly said he told several people what happened, and they implored him to call 911.
Police said they responded at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday to the 2800 block of Berrywood Lane. They found Scott Hayes dead from gunshot wounds. He was lying face down in his bedroom, a knife in each hand and a third in his waistband, cops wrote, according to WRC.
From cops: ‘
Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective may call 301-516-2512.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 24-0002113.
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