Overview
In July 1991, a 27-year-old New York man identified in contemporary reporting as “Domenico Benson” was found shot in the 1400 block of Seventh Street in Washington’s Shaw area. The federal prosecution of Wayne Perry later identified the victim as “Domencio Benson.”
Initial Investigation
At the time the victim was identified, D.C. police reported that they had no suspects. The event therefore illustrates the gap that can exist between the initial homicide record and the later federal conspiracy case.
Federal Attribution
The federal government’s death-penalty notice against Perry identified Count Five as Benson’s murder and alleged that Perry intentionally killed him. Perry later pleaded guilty to five murders in the broader prosecution.
Connection to the Martinez Organization
Later reporting and participant accounts connect Benson’s killing to conflict involving Alberto Martinez. The precise motive and sequence should be attributed to the specific source used; the legal fact that the killing formed part of Perry’s federal case is independently established.
Evidence Status
A/B. Contemporary homicide reporting and the later federal prosecution provide the core record.