Snapchat Strangler: Minnesota Man Charged with Killing Girlfriend

Minnesota man makes chilling confession of a murder through Snapchat leading to a heartbreaking loss and shocking charges. 🌐 #News #PipestoneCountyMN #Minnesota #Crime

PIPESTONE COUNTY, MN – A tragic death in Pipestone County, Minnesota, has left a community in shock as Joseph Benson, 35, is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Samantha Koehne, 38. The crime occurred while the couple was house-sitting for a friend, and what makes this case even more chilling is Benson’s Snapchat confession that led authorities straight to the crime scene. On November 2, he admitted to the murder in a message to the homeowner, setting off a chain of events that would uncover a brutal killing and a troubling past.

The Murder and Its Discovery

Benson and Koehne had been asked to house-sit in Edgerton for a friend who had traveled to Florida. The homeowner, who had been communicating with Benson daily via Snapchat, received an alarming message from him on November 2, claiming that Koehne—who he referred to as “Panda”—was “freaking out” and wanted to leave. Despite urging Benson to handle the situation, the homeowner later received another message from him stating, “Yeah, Panda is gone.”

Law enforcement was contacted shortly after, and when deputies arrived at the home, they found Koehne’s body on the bathroom floor. An extension cord was wrapped around her legs and lying across her body. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that asphyxiation was the likely cause of death.

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The Confession and Investigation

After the homeowner received the Snapchat messages, she asked if Koehne was okay, only to be told that she was not. At around 10:45 a.m., the homeowner had a brief video call with both Benson and Koehne. It was the last time she saw Koehne alive.

Later that day, the homeowner reached out to law enforcement again after hearing no further updates. Upon questioning Benson, he allegedly told deputies, “There’s a dead body upstairs.” His confession continued when he said, “Yeah, she wouldn’t stop screaming, and I can’t go back to prison,” which suggests a possible motive related to past criminal convictions.

Benson’s statement, coupled with the graphic nature of the crime, led investigators to arrest him at the scene.

Benson’s Criminal History and Legal Proceedings

Benson has a history of criminal convictions, including a felony burglary conviction in 2009, for which he served 15 days in jail and five years on probation. He was also convicted of several misdemeanors prior to the murder.

Currently, Benson is being held at the Pipestone County Jail with bail set at $250,000 for unconditional release and $100,000 for conditional release. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 10:15 a.m.

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Remembering Samantha Koehne

Samantha Koehne, who was a mother of three, is remembered by family and friends for her love of cooking and baking. The community is left mourning the loss of a woman whose life was tragically cut short. Her friends fondly recall her warmth and generosity, and they continue to honor her memory during this difficult time.

Though her life was tragically taken, the impact of her kindness and spirit remains in the hearts of those who knew her.

In times of sorrow and loss, it is important to lean on our faith for comfort and peace. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse in Minnesota, several resources are available for support.

The Day One Crisis Hotline offers confidential assistance 24/7 at 1-866-223-1111. Violence Free Minnesota provides a directory of local programs dedicated to ending domestic abuse, and Women’s Advocates operates a 24-hour crisis line at 651-227-8284.

These organizations are committed to helping individuals navigate crisis situations and provide a safe space for those in need.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Minnesota

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