CIA, FBI Investigating Couple's Attack

[Team Sergeant]

CIA, FBI Investigating
Couple's Attack
Last Edited: Friday, 27 Mar 2009, 6:35 PM EDT
Created On: Friday, 27 Mar 2009, 3:58 PM EDT

Claudia Coffey
LANSDOWNE, Va. - Fear is turning to anger in one Virginia neighborhood as residents continue to look for answers in a murder mystery that left a Green Beret dead and his wife clinging to life.

On Thursday night, thousands turned out in Lansdowne for a community meeting with Loudoun County authorities, and on Friday FOX 5 learned that the FBI and the CIA are both involved in the case. Authorities say they're following up on every lead, but so far they're no closer to solving the mysterious case.

Still, five days after former Green Beret William Bennett and his wife, Cynthia were attacked along Riverside Parkway, there are still more questions than answers.

"I think that our shock in this neighborhood is starting to turn to anger that something like this happened," one neighbor told FOX 5.

A crowd of residents who attended Thursday's meeting was seeking information about an apparent random attack that left Bennett dead and his wife in critical condition.

"I'm curious how safe we are-- those of us who live along the trail," another resident asked.

The sheriff's department walked a fine line of calming those fears and keeping details of the investigation close to the vest.

"We can't rule out anything," said Major Larry Beardsley of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. "Were they taken from their home and transported to that location? Possibly. Were they attacked there? Probably. Can we rule out home invasion? No, we can't."

FOX 5 has learned that a total of 13 investigators are now working the case around the clock. The CIA and the FBI are involved, mainly due to the couple's military backgrounds, and Mr. Bennett's work as a CIA contractor.

"We're talking to them about any possible angles that could be involved with their work, or their affiliations or government work, and all the agencies are being cooperative," said Kraig Troxell, a Loudoun County Sheriff's Department spokesman.

The sheriff's department is exploring all angles and trying to work quickly to calm the fears of the community.

"Oh, I'm scared, I'm scared now—really scared," said Koom Kim, another resident.

The sheriff's department is offering a $21,000 reward in the case, and they hope that will encourage someone to come forward with information that will help investigators solve the crime.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/0327...couples_attack

[LR27]

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2214762/posts

Loudoun County, Va. murder has markings of a gang initiation (William Bennett)

On March 22, William and Cynthia Bennett left their Potomac Station home for an early morning walk and never returned. Shortly after 5:30 a.m., police found William, 57 lying dead, they found Cynthia, 55 badly beaten but still alive a short distance away.

Around 5:30 a.m., less than a mile from the Bennett home, a resident on Rocky Creek Drive called police to report the presence of a suspicious vehicle ( a white panel work van), and three men outside the van causing a disturbance.

By the time a Loudoun County Sheriff’s deputy arrived, the van was gone. However, the body of William Bennett was spotted by the deputy, lying near the intersection of Rocky Creek Drive and Riverside Drive (the same reported location of the white van). More deputies arrived and found the bloodied body of Cynthia Bennett.

[abc_123]

Originally Posted by LongRange27

Loudoun County, Va. murder has markings of a gang initiation (William Bennett)

That's what it sounds like to me. Senseless random violence.

[Peregrino]

Originally Posted by abc_123

That's what it sounds like to me. Senseless random violence.

I sincerely hope that a competent and thorough investigation reaches the same conclusion - and that the perpetrators are captured, tried, and convicted in a transparent and open criminal proceeding. Hopefully the victim's backgrounds and the involvements of the Federal agencies will ensure all avenues are explored. Unfortunately, police departments are entirely too willing to dismiss this type of crime as "gang initiations" without serious investigation because it's the path of least resistance. Sadly, it's getting easier to do given the rise of gang activity throughout the US. Prayers for his wife; hopefully she will survive and her testimony will aid/cinch the investigation.

[The Reaper]

Could be a hate crime.

TR

[FXCOfire]

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=1660475

Here is the update. 4 in custody but no mention of what gang or group with whom they are affiliated.

[Big Daddy]

Another reason why I am an advocate of always carrying a pistol. We had a similar situation here a few years ago. An elderly gentleman was riding his bicycle on a bike trail in one of the most prestious areas of Chicago when he ran into some punks who were out for a good time. They beat him to death. Now, had he been carrying a weapon, perhaps the outcome would have been different. But more importantly for me is, what if I come across these same punks as they were beating this man to death or if they came after me. Hence the reason I always carry. Not only to protect me but to protect someone else from the vermin that seem to populate our nation in greater numbers than ever before. God bless Mr. and Mrs Bennett. RIP and thank you for your service Mr. Bennett.

[Penn]

Heartfelt prayers for William Bennett and his wife Cynthia

[Saoirse]

Originally Posted by FXCOfire

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=1660475

Here is the update. 4 in custody but no mention of what gang or group with whom they are affiliated.

Police say the four men are either members or associated with a gang. They say more charges for the attack against Bennett's wife are pending.

Just as predicted....easier to investigate gang violence. Now let's see what they do with these worthless POS's! I say hang'em in the town square!!!

Rest in Peace, Mr. Bennett and thank you for your service. Mrs. Bennett I wish you a speedy recovery.

[CoLawman]

"Police say they are gang members or associates of a gang."

Translation these punks are gang members!