Utah Set To Execute Man Who Murdered Claudia Benn In 1998

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/25/utah-execute-man-murdered-claudia-benn-1998-family-finds-closure/1217755004/

Claudia Benn, 49, was a substance abuse counselor, babysitter to her grandchildren, and vice chairman of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, a federally recognized tribe in Utah. Her life was cut short on July 9, 1998, when her daughter's boyfriend, Taberon Dave Honie, broke into her home and stabbed her to death during an argument. Benn's tragic death left a lasting impact on her family and community.

"She was doing all the things she wanted to, with nothing holding her back. She was a rising star." -- Betsy China, Benn's cousin

Nearly 26 years later, Utah prepares to execute Honie, marking the first execution in the state since 2010. Honie has been fighting the death sentence and pleading for mercy, but for Benn's family, it signifies a long-awaited conclusion to a painful chapter.

What happened to Claudia Benn?

On the night of the murder, Benn was babysitting her three granddaughters. Her daughter, Carol Pikyavit, shared a 2-year-old daughter with Honie, who called drunk and angry, threatening to kill everyone in the home. Pikyavit left for work, not taking the threat seriously. Honie proceeded to Benn's house, and an argument ensued. Honie claimed Benn started the fight and that he "snapped," broke through the sliding glass door, and grabbed a butcher knife from Benn, ultimately leading to her fatal stabbing.

Benn was found face down with multiple wounds to her neck and genitals, and her grandchildren were discovered with blood on their clothes and bodies. There was also evidence of sexual abuse.

Benn's family recalls a beloved matriarch

Benn's cousin, Betsy China, reminisced about their final interaction just hours before Benn's death. She recalled Benn's generous spirit and the comfort she found in her guidance. Benn's daughter, Benita Yracheta, who lived with her mother, struggles to separate her mother's memory from the brutality of that night, cherishing impromptu dance parties and her mother's determination to put herself through college.

Execution represents a ‘closing’

For China, Benn was a source of leadership and encouragement, and her death left a gap in the family. As the execution date approaches, China finds solace in remembering Benn as a helper to her people and seeks to honor her cousin's memory.

Benn's family finally finds a sense of closure and justice, albeit with complicated emotions, as they put this tragic chapter behind them.