Thursday update from Bryan police:
The preliminary autopsy report showed that both Virginia Winzenried Benefield and Larry Darnell Davis were shot and killed by Melvin Benefield. Melvin Benefield then turned the gun on himself.
Thursday update from The Associated Press:
BRYAN, Texas (AP) _ Police say a man found dead in his Bryan apartment had a protective order against his wife whose body was also found at the residence.
Melvin Nathan Benefield and Virginia Ann Winzenried Benefield, plus neighbor Larry Darnell Davis, were found shot to death Wednesday at the couple’s home.
Investigators don’t believe the public is in danger. Officer Kelley McKethan (muh-KEE’-than) said Thursday that the investigation continues into who was responsible for the deaths. Autopsies were ordered.
Court records show Virginia Benefield was arrested Nov. 19 on an assault family violence charge against her husband, who then obtained a court order to keep her away from him. She was arrested Dec. 31 for public intoxication and for violating the order by being at the Bryan complex.
She was released from jail Saturday.
Wednesday afternoon update:
A welfare check for someone who did not report to work Wednesday morning led Bryan police to a west side apartment and the discovery of the deaths of two men and one woman.
Officer Kelley McKethan says investigators spent the day in and outside the apartment at the Canyon Village complex on Finfeather, north of Villa Maria.
Those who died were identified as 54 year old Melvin Nathan Benefield, 46 year old Virginia Ann Winzenried Benefield, and 65 year old Larry Darnell Davis.
All three were found in the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Benefield. Larry Davis lives in a nearby apartment.
BPD’s preliminary investigation reveals that all three died from possible gunshot wounds.
Before the identities of those who died were released, WTAW’s Bill Oliver visited with Officer Kelley McKethan.
Original news release from Bryan police:
On January 17, 2018, Officers responded to 3200 Finfeather, Canyon Village, for the report of a welfare concern after an employee did not show up for work. Officers and medical personnel entered an apartment to find three persons deceased inside. The Bryan Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Scene Unit are on scene. At this time the investigation is concentrated outside the apartment, therefore, no identifying information can be released.