A Maryland man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his roommate last year in Springdale, Prince George’s County. Richard Bennaugh, 27, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Domonique Scott Hayes.
The courtroom was filled with the victim’s family members on Friday, many visibly shaken and in tears as the sentence was read. “Justice was served today. I’m so so happy that he got justice,” said Scott Hayes’ sister, Monique Scott Hayes, following the sentencing.
Her mother, Monique Scott, added, “My son mattered, and he was chased out like a dog and murdered. And the jury, and the judge, and everybody saw right through it”, reported by D.C.-based NBC affiliate WRC-TV and Fox affiliate WTTG.
According to prosecutors, Bennaugh shot Scott Hayes inside the townhome they shared. He claimed the shooting was in self-defense, stating that he had been sleeping on the couch when Scott Hayes woke him and repeatedly asked about the location of the TV remote.
Bennaugh told detectives that Scott Hayes was holding two knives and attempted to charge him, prompting him to open fire. After the shooting, Bennaugh said he returned to sleep, only getting up later that day to drive to a marijuana dispensary in Washington, D.C., and a tobacco shop in Landover.
He then returned home, smoked marijuana, disposed of the shell casings, and contacted friends who advised him to call 911. When police arrived following Bennaugh’s 911 call, they found Scott Hayes’ body face down in his bedroom with a knife in each hand and a third tucked into his waistband.
Investigators also recovered multiple fired bullets and a bottle of bleach from the scene. The case drew attention for the circumstances surrounding the argument, which reportedly began over the location of the TV remote. Prosecutors emphasized that the shooting was unnecessary and premeditated.
Bennaugh is now serving his sentence in a Maryland correctional facility, with no possibility of early release. His next scheduled court appearance will address any additional procedural matters related to his conviction.
The family expressed relief that justice had been served and hope that the verdict would provide some closure for the loss of their loved one.