(WNY News Now) – Erie County – Five defendants have been sentenced for their involvement in the brutal 2022 stabbing death of Brenden J. Benoit, culminating in a series of severe prison terms and legal actions.
In a significant step towards justice, Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane has announced the sentencing of five out of six defendants involved in the tragic killing of 25-year-old Brenden J. Benoit. The sentencing follows a complex legal process surrounding a fatal stabbing that occurred in a secluded wooded area in July 2022.
Photo By Erie County DA’s Office
Photo By Erie County DA’s Office
Photo By Erie County DA’s Office
Photo By Erie County DA’s Office
Jared M. Adamski, 28, of Hamburg, received the harshest sentence of 25 years in prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision. Adamski, who pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree in May 2024, was convicted for his role in the stabbing of Benoit, which led to the victim’s death. Adamski’s sentence reflects the severity of his crime as a second violent felony offender.
The orchestrated assault began when Kayleigh Skybyk-Schuh, 21, drove Benoit and others to a remote location near Heltz Road in Lake View. Jared Adamski, along with co-defendants Harrison Drozen and Connor Krone, had been lying in wait in the woods. Upon arrival, Benoit was assaulted and subsequently attacked inside his vehicle by Adamski, who wielded a knife and inflicted multiple fatal wounds.
Skybyk-Schuh was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an additional 5 years of post-release supervision. She admitted guilt to both Manslaughter in the First Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Harrison J. Drozen, 22, received a 12-year prison term for his plea of Manslaughter in the First Degree. Connor E. Krone, 24, was sentenced to time served and 5 years probation after pleading guilty to Assault in the Second Degree.
Elexus O. Dean, 22, pleaded guilty to Tampering with Physical Evidence and is awaiting sentencing, which could result in up to 4 years in prison. A sixth defendant, a youthful offender, received a 360-day sentence for similar charges, though their identity remains confidential.
Acting DA Keane expressed hope that these sentences provide a measure of justice for Benoit’s family and friends, acknowledging the efforts of the Town of Hamburg Police Department and the District Attorney’s office in securing these convictions.
The case was led by Assistant Chief Gina M. Gramaglia and former Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty, who have been commended for their dedication to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Leave a Reply