In a tragic and shocking turn of events, active-duty U.S. Marine Willie Ellington has been arrested and charged with the murder of 26-year-old reality TV star Tshey Bennett. Authorities have also charged Ellington, 20, with possession of child pornography.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Pensacola, Florida, announced the charges on Wednesday after Bennett’s body was discovered in a pond within an abandoned neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, the same day.
Bennett, who gained recognition earlier this year for her appearance on the HollyHoodTV series Skrippa Bootcamp, was reported missing over the weekend. The reality show focused on the lives of exotic dancers.
Timeline of Events
Authorities revealed that Bennett had been working as an escort and had met with Ellington at the Sweet Dream Inn in Pensacola before her disappearance. The hotel, located near Ellington’s post at NAS Pensacola, became a critical point in the investigation. Investigators discovered Bennett’s car and phone at the inn, with her hotel room door left open and bedding missing.
Evidence traced to Ellington led investigators to a rented vehicle spotted near the location where Bennett’s body was found. Police arrested Ellington on Wednesday as he attempted to leave town on a bus in Opelika, Alabama.
Disturbing Details
Investigators uncovered alarming Google searches on Ellington’s device, shedding light on his alleged involvement. Searches included questions like, “Can someone scream when they’re strangled?” and “How does a dead body look in two days?” Other searches explored statistics on homicides involving sex workers.
Ellington, a private first class assigned to the Marine Aviation Training Support Group-23, joined the Marines earlier this year. Capt. Jacoby Getty confirmed the Marine Corps’ commitment to assisting authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Community Reactions
The case has sent shockwaves through both the military and entertainment communities. Tshey Bennett’s contributions to Skrippa Bootcamp made her a rising star in the world of reality TV, and fans have expressed their grief and outrage on social media.
This devastating incident underscores the fragility of life and the importance of justice for victims of violent crime.
