[Vision2020] PR - MPD Benoit Murder Investigation Completed

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208-883-7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
Benoit Murder Investigation Completed

December 16, 2011 (Moscow, Idaho) - The Moscow Police Department has completed its investigation into the murder of Kathryn M. Benoit by Ernesto A. Bustamante and is issuing this final press release to provide specific details disclosed from the forensic examination conducted by the Idaho State Police and the Moscow Police Department as well as the established timeline of events based upon that investigation.

Results of the investigation revealed a digital file folder containing two files regarding Benoit created by Bustamante on his personal computer on August 9, 2011.  One file, also created on August 9, 2011 included Benoit's home address on Lilly Street.  The other file created on August 18, 2011 included Benoit's fall 2011 University of Idaho class schedule.  The folder was last accessed on August 22, 2011.

Timeline of events, August 22 and 23, 2011:

  *   Bustamante rented a vehicle (August 22 at approximately 3:00 p.m.)
  *   Bustamante shot Benoit at her South Lilly address (August 22 at approximately 8:40 p.m.)
  *   Bustamante checked into the Best Western Plus University Inn (August 22 at approximately 9:00 p.m.)
  *   Bustamante phoned the front desk and requested a wake-up call for 11:00 a.m. the following day, August 23, 2011 (August 22 at approximately 10:00 p.m.)
  *   Bustamante's rental car was located in the parking lot of the Best Western Plus University Inn (August 23 at approximately 1:00 a.m.)
  *   Entry by police into room 213 found Bustamante dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound (August 23 at approximately 6:00 a.m.)

A .45 caliber handgun recovered in Bustamante's hotel room has been positively identified as the weapon used to kill Benoit.  No evidence to date has been found to indicate that Bustamante acted with or was provided assistance by another person while committing this crime.

###

Story Contact: Lieutenant David Lehmitz
Phone: 208.883.7127
Email: dlehmitz at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:dlehmitz at ci.moscow.id.us>


The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources.
We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.


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