Benzel T. Rose, a 26-year-old Black man, was found dead from apparent gunshot wounds near 8th Street and Fond du Lac Avenue in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on October 17, 2021. The Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner later confirmed the cause and manner of death as a homicide after an autopsy.

Investigators say the shooting occurred during a drug transaction that turned into a robbery. Two men identified as Eric Perry and Julius Freeman arranged to meet with Rose, then robbed him, taking cash and a gun. During the robbery, Perry fatally shot Rose in the head. The Fond du Lac Police Department asked the public for help early in the inquiry.

Both men were arrested and later convicted for their roles. Julius Freeman was convicted at a 2023 jury trial of first-degree intentional homicide and armed robbery and received a life sentence with eligibility for release only after serving 35 years. Eric Perry pleaded no contest to second-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery with use of force, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon; in March 2025 a judge sentenced him to 50 years in prison followed by 20 years of extended supervision.

If anyone has information about Benzel Rose or the circumstances of his death, please share what is known.