Tyrone Benedict: Caregiver Accused of Murdering Quadriplegic Man

I worked for Mark for a couple of months last summer, and was saddened to hear what happened to him. I think about him alot.

Lmv67

I knew Mark very well. Have not replied before this because it has been so upsetting. I lived with him for almost 2 years, was his girlfriend, partner in life, free 24-hr RN, house manager etc.I loved Mark and he was very good to me.He and my boys had a lot of fun together! Playing chess and goofing around. This was back in 2007 before Tyrone Benedict. I helped him hire his aides - write ads, interview/ hire / train them. Mostly good people, some are my friends to this day. But many people were iffy and scared me. A lot of Tyrone Benedict types. I would tell Mark, this person is not right. But he didn't listen - he needed the help. And Mark could be difficult - yes. Verbally abusive, mean, inappropriate. So many of his aides would come to me in tears and just walk out. I tried so hard to make him understand he could not be this verbally mean to people (including me). He tried to be nicer but think it was just so frustrating for him, Mark needed help 24/7 . Even between his mom and me and the great people we hired it wasn't enough. As scary as it sounds, this does not surprise me. I kept telling Mark you have to be more careful! But when you're dependent on others for EVERYTHING it's another story. Most of us can't even imagine. And just an FYI, Mark had a graduate degree in computer science, worked full-time as a software engineer, and owned his own house! What an amazing man, strong Christian, and should be an inspiration to us all. I miss him. As to Tyrone, I trust God and our judicial system to take over.

Guest

His ex-wife, Angela Morgan-Benedit works for Ranken Jordan - with children that are of physical and mental issues. Should we trust her there?

angela morgan is a good person how the hell can u say can we trust her she didnt do anything and is prolly his ex because of good reason .. how sick to say this ..

Laytonjs4

The comments below are interesting, but there is something that seems to keep getting lost or forgotten in all of this. The two most important pieces in all of this should be the victim's family and Ty's children. Regardless of your feelings about Ty, don't forget his children can use a computer and read all of this. While everyone has a right to know the truth and actual characteristics of their parents, there is a time and a place. Reading about it on the internet is not it. Trashing Ty isn't going to convict him or bring Mark back. Just be mindful of those things when making your comments.

My personal thought is no matter the mental state, murder is not acceptable. However, we don't know the entire situation. Nothing would excuse it but something might explain it. At any rate, we should pray for Ty's kids and other family because they didn't do this, but have to live with the consequences. We should pray for Mark's family because they are grieving the loss of a loved one. We should pray that our legal system works as designed so that all information is presented and appropriate punishment is determined.

Lmv67

Very well-said.

Rochadad

Great comment! Ty was my assistant little league baseball coach and both of our sons were on the team we coached. I would have never known this guy to do something like this because he was completely normal to me. I didn't know him long, but I remember his son on the field and his wife on the bleachers while Ty was pitching to the batters. Thank you for putting things into perspective for those who have convicted Ty based on the St. Louis newspaper, and making it known that his innocent children who love their Father unconditonally could be reading this.

whathappened

Finally, I have read a comment that is excellently written!! Thank you for the thoughtfulness of everyone involved!

Dmommy

well said.

supermanthathoe

holy shit i worked with this guy not 4 months ago as a valet. we all thought he was on cocaine and he didn't last very long. he was a piece of shit then too.

justsaying

John Wayne Gacey was a good father too but that doesnt change the fact that he was a murderer! Just saying

Tronflo

I met Mark a while back, I did service work on the electronic systems on his wheelchair. About a week before this incident, I saw this guy Benedick at Marks place. Benedick did seem nice but I believe he might be gay, he sure talk with that type of gay tone in his voice. The whole thing may have started from some advance by Benedick, not the other way around as Benedick claims Mark made some kind of sexual advance on him.... MARK WAS PARALYZED, he couldn't make an advance like that even if he wanted to.

whathappened

So even if you think he "might be gay," that makes him not nice? I don't see how you thinking he's gay has a darn thing to do with this. Again, a typical stereotype. How sad that our world still can't get away from stereotypes.

Very sad

I am very angry toward Ty for taking my friend away.

Great1

Well, let's think about it, Mark was stabbed 1st......... So what..... Ty stabbed him trying to save im from the fire!! Give me a flippin break!!!! He's a murderer and just tried to cover his tracks!!! But, criminals are stupid, so that didn't work.. I'm sorry, but I know Mark's family, and now they are left with a void in their life because of Ty, so let justice be served!!!!!! No mercy!!!!!!!

Jules9202

I knew Ty.. about 2 years now. Let's just say, I had a BAD feeling about this guy. He was VERY persistent with me, would beg to give him a chance, call all hours of the night, say complete off the wall stuff to me. This AFTER telling him nothing more than friends. Went on for months and I finally cut ties with him. The first time I ever met him, a friend who was at the same place even warned me to be careful, that he seemed "off his rocker... something isn't right with this guy." I already had that feeling prior to him saying this. I caught Ty is SO MANY lies it makes me sick... BIG reason I cut ties with him. He claimed to have won $10,000 at the casino, yet, as much as he posts about his life, never said a word, and begged me not to tell Angie (his ex). Couple days later, a drunk driver supposedly hits Ty, wrecks his car wh ile leaving work, yet, 3 days after that, he's driving.. THE TOTALED CAR! When I asked how he got it back so quickly, he said "they fixed it." Totaled car... fixed in 3 days? And that's just a drop in the hat as to what I heard out of Ty's mouth. Was non-stop with him. I was told by a source on the case that he is a VERY strange guy and that I should be glad I cut ties. I'm sorry to say... Ty may have been a "loving" father... but there's nothing LOVING about murdering someone.. especially someone who can't fend for themselves!!!!!! I KNEW there was something about him... and SO thankful I trusted my gut!!!! My heart goes out to his boys, for now they have to live with what their "loving" father has done, to Angie, who has to protect her boys and to Mark's family. Justice NEEDS to be served!!!!!

kdv

Wow... sounds alot like me and Ty's relationship. He really couldn't take "NO" for an answer, and he had lots of anger issues. Ty's anger issues were not only talked about by myself, but his two boys also mentioned this to me several times. He was real good at telling lies and trying to cover them up, the only problem is, he was real bad at covering them up. This is one of the reasons he got caught, not to mention bringing a gas can over to Mr. Woods house, I'm confused as to how a can of gas would help save a wheelchair bound man who was just stabbed... I'm just sayin...

Dmommy

I don't disagree great1! And yes, maybe...and only maybe....he was trying to save him after he stabbed him, maybe he came to his senses at some point, who knows! Not us! Clearly, craziness was going on! If the evidence shows Ty did it...then justice should be served, absolutely.BUT, don't forget that Ty has a family as well....and they are left with a void also. Neither family deserves the pain they are in right now. I also agree, that if it is proven, then no mercy should be shown.....but it is innocent until proven guilty....

Tweetledee

I played softball with TY and cannot believe this! I know he is probably a thief but, murder, never!! He must have gotten scared and killed the guy when he found out TY was taking money from him or something. I guess he is gonna rot away in jail now. I feel for his two boys and their mother Angie! RIP Mark....... TY should have been more responsible, stop lie-ing, get a real job and stop taking advantage of people. I do feel for him, he is a little guy and gonna get torn up@!! Be limping a lot!

Lovely

You obviously knew Ty well. He is what you say he is. Not to mention he borrowed money from everybody and never paid anybody back. Probly borrowed money from each of you "friends" as well.

KDV

Yep, he borrowed a thousand dollars from me after only knowing me for 2 weeks. I made him give it back the next week because I seen he was a shady person. I really cannot find a place in my heart to feel sorry for him right now. What he did was a stupid and very selfish act. I'm sorry, but that is how I feel...

whathappened

I have a lot of experience in the courtroom as well. And until you have heard the WHOLE story, you really shouldn't judge what went on. I have seen things when I have heard the scuttlebutt from the attorneys about what we are going to hear, and then you hear the WHOLE story, and then things make sense. I have had someone taken away from me in a horrific way as well, so I have really been on both sides of the fence. It sounded like you were upset when I said not to judge, but all I was saying was wait until both sides of the story come out. It is a terrible, terrible situation.

Vanessakimberly

I have known Ty for years and this is VERY much out of character. He is a very loving and giving man and this just doesn't make sense!!! Don't judge him on what you have heard. Remember, innocent until proven guilty!!! He is a good man and this just doenn't make sense. I am very sad for Mark's family and friends and I pray for peace for all of you as I pray for Ty's family and friends as well.

Asdfkdk

Innocent until proven guilty?? The guy was arrested with burn marks all over him! Even if it is out of character.. this guy was NOT a good guy.. a good guy would never have done this!

vangmk

I can say he is a good guy. I know him. He is an amazing father to those kids and would do anything for them or any one of his friends and family. They paint the picture so it seems like there is no other possible solution. Just like Dmommy said, he could have been trying to save the man, got freaked out and ran. WE DON"T KNOW!! If he's guilty than he will have to be responsible for his actions, but to sit here and accuse him before we know what happened is wrong.

None

Wow...he was good at fooling people. He obviously had you all fooled too. People only show you what they want you to see. I knew him as wellI knew his children as well and he was a good dad. But it is what it is and he admitted it. He said he did it because the man tried to sexually assault him. Tell me how a quadrapalegic person sexually assaults someone......just sayin....

Dadof2lads

I agree also... He was a coworker in the same facility but i didnt work beside him. I would of never thought he would of done this at all , Never ever thought he would be capable of it,, Matter of fact i had talked to him the weekend before this incident and he was the same person i have always known.. WOW

Timbufford

I agree with u VanessaKimberly

Timbufford

I would not say he is a good guy but I know him and the guy is not a killer he is a loving father of two he has issues but u couldn't have done this it dose not make sense

Dmommy

maybe he had burns on his body from actually trying to save the guy? just sayin...

longroadset

I'm so sorry for Mark and his family. Mark was not a bad guy, he just wanted to be taken care of the right way. I met Mark while interviewing to be a caregiver, my heart just wasn't in the job, and I feel terrible about the tragedy that has befallen his family.

Gentlemantech48

I lived with Mark and took care of him in early 2009. He could be difficult but for someone to murder him is just unthinkable. I pray that God comfort his family.

Douche McGee

Let's chain this idiot to the girl that killed the reservist, dump em off a cliff and save a lot of money and time in the process.

Thomas

I find it disturbing how easy it is to slip into certain stereotypes - especially when it comes to murder. There is a tendency to think of murderers as though they were monsters. And maybe the reason is because people find it all the more troubling that they are people like us - and that is probably the reality in many cases. Just imagine you know somebody who is a loving father who would give his life for his kids and he is a friend of yours who you like to hang out with. But suddenly you hear that he is charged with murder. You would be sad and shocked and wonder how this could happen and if it's really true. That's how some of the people feel that shared some comments here - and that is how I feel. I met Ty Benedict and spent time with him five years ago. Even though I don't know what happened in the past five years I knew him as a person who loves people and cares for his kids with all his heart. Of course, if he has really done it there is no excuse and he has to bear the consequences. But whether he has done it or not - painting distorted and one-sided pictures isn't helpful at all. For all families that are involved in this case it is painful and they are hurting, Mark's family and Ty's family as well.

Stormmacie2

I agree with you. Ty is one of my good friends. I am in shock as well as many other people and I still want to believe he is innocent until proven guilty. Ty truly is one of the most loving, caring men I have met. My heart is breaking for his boys. They mean the world to him and this is tragedy for both families involved. Please don't pass stereotypes unless you know the whole story. My prayers go out to BOTH families involved

Guest

Really??? He already admitted it. He was a good father but was not a good man.

Ang

Thank you Thomas - Ty always admired you.

whathappened

That's easy to say when you don't know anything about Ty. I'm not at all saying that what happened to Mark Woods was not a tragedy, but to know Ty, something had to have just snapped in him. Ty is really a loving, caring guy and I am absolutely stunned about this terrible situation.

Gdog

I do know Ty and he is a douche bag!!!

whathappened

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

kdv

I do know Ty and I decided to exclude him from my life a while ago because he had way too much drama and had a bad problem with stalking people including myself. There is something wrong with him and I'm sorry if you think that one thing could have made him snap bad enough to kill a defensless person. Even if Mr. Woods was trying to sexually assault him, all Ty really had to do was leave and shut the door behind him, it's not like the man could chase him down. Don't waste your time making excuses for someone who can do that to another person.

KDV

Actually they don't charge you with murder and hold you in prison unless they have a pretty good reason.... I'm just sayin.... And I have worked in the Court system, I do know what I'm talking about. The detective on the case said that Ty clearly went to his house and brought back the gas can that was used, Now, I'm not a rocket scientist, but I think that pretty much shows his guilt, unless Mr. woods was in a gas powered wheelchair and needed gas to get out of the burning house, which I'm sure was not the case. I've known Ty for about 3 years, and witnessed him Lie, Steel, Cheat, and lose his temper countless times, so don't tell me to not judge him, I've earned the right.

whathappened

I am not making excuses. Things happen to good people. Unless you've seen this with your own eyes, or have been in a courtroom where you've seen these things happen, you have no idea what I'm talking about. I do not want to take away from Mr. Woods' family, as I know they are going through a terrible grieving process, but so is Ty's family. Don't judge anyone unless you're asked to be on that jury.