NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Niagara Falls man is under arrest, charged with First Degree Murder following a double homicide in the Cataract City.
Investigators say 31-year-old Billy Benton was arraigned virtually Monday morning where he pleaded not guilty. He's currently being held without bail at the Niagara County Jail.
On the morning of May 7, Niagara Falls Police were called to the 3100 block of Ninth Street for a report of an assault with a weapon. Upon arrival officers say they discovered 60-year-old, Sonia Hamilton on the sidewalk, suffering from stab wounds and a gunshot wound. Hamilton was rushed to ECMC where she later died from her injuries. Police say the second victim, 31 year old Brian Harris (the son of Ms. Hamilton), was found dead in his apartment suffering from both stab and gunshot wounds. Investigators say Benton was known to both Hamilton and Harris.
According to police, Benton was taken into custody on May 8 in Cleveland, Ohio by members of the US Marshals Task Force - Cleveland Team. At that time, Benton was being held on a warrant for Assault and a Parole Violation, which are unrelated to the double homicide.
Benton is due back in court on June 22.
