MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 55-year-old Blaine man has been found guilty of first-degree murder (with a past pattern of domestic abuse) in the stabbing death of his girlfriend, the Anoka County Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Patrick William Benton was found guilty on May 10. The judge determined that Benton exhibited a past patter of domestic abuse, which subjects Benton to a life sentence.
On Oct. 13, 2011, the victim, Susan Courteau, had Benton removed from her home in Coon Rapids because he was drinking and scaring her. Benton, however, returned later that day and stabbed her to death. Courteau was found the same evening by her sister.
“This is another tragic case of domestic violence, where the defendant’s anger led him to murder an innocent woman,” stated Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo. “I express my deepest condolences to Susan Courteau’s family, and I hope the legal process brings some closure for the family.”
Benton’s sentencing is set for May 29.
