Mt. Vernon woman sentenced to 20 years in 2025 killing
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
MT. VERNON, Ill., (KBSI) – A Mt. Vernon woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the 2025 killing of a Jefferson County man.
Laura Beneway, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in the death of 56-year-old Patrick Williamson. She was sentenced Thursday in Jefferson County Circuit Court. The case was prosecuted by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office after being referred by the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The homicide investigation began March 24, 2025, when Mt. Vernon police responded to a home in the 600 block of South 15th Street for a report of an unconscious man. Officers found Williamson dead inside the residence. An autopsy determined he died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Beneway was arrested along with Peter Harris, 67, and Eddie Bennett, 69, during the investigation.
Harris remains charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and obstructing justice. His jury trial is scheduled to begin in October.
Bennett was previously convicted of first-degree murder by a Jefferson County jury and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Mt. Vernon Police Department with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
