Lavonte Craig Benford, 19, was found fatally shot at The Cottages at San Marcos apartment complex on November 28, 2021, and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy by the Travis County Medical Examiner confirmed cause of death as a gunshot wound. Authorities described the homicide as drug-related.

Two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with Benford’s death: 17-year-old Lukas Javier Perez of San Antonio, charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and 25-year-old Michael Brandon Torres of Weslaco, charged with murder. Both were booked into the Hays County Jail with bonds set at $550,000 and $500,000, respectively. The San Marcos Police Department continued its investigation, working with witnesses and gathering evidence.

Benford, known to family and friends as Red, graduated from Manor Independent School District, which offered counseling and a crisis team after the killing. Does anyone have information about Benford’s movements in San Marcos on or shortly before November 28, 2021?