Deputy Basil Powell, 39, was fatally shot outside his Belle Glade home on the evening of February 10, 2025. He was off duty and was with his 5-year-old daughter when investigators say a shooter opened fire in a targeted ambush as he exited his vehicle. Deputies found Powell unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to his front and back; he was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center and died shortly after arrival.

About 12 expended 9mm cartridge cases were recovered near Powell’s front door, and bullet holes were documented in the door and windows. Authorities say the attack was domestic-related: investigators identified 32-year-old Kevin Benette as a suspect, arrested him on February 13, 2025, and the sheriff announced Benette would be charged with first-degree murder and held without bond. The sheriff said the shooting was unrelated to Powell’s duties as a corrections deputy at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, where he had worked at the West Corrections Center since October 2021, and that the murder weapon had not yet been recovered.

A candlelight vigil was held in Belle Glade on February 11, 2025, to honor Powell. The investigation remains ongoing. If anyone who knew Powell or who has information about the shooting can help, please come forward.