Robert C. Bennett Sr. was a man known throughout his Buffalo, New York, community as someone always willing to extend a hand to those in need. A proud veteran, he was a personable man who enjoyed the simple pleasure of tending to his garden in the summertime. At the age of 70, the life of this respected military man and beloved family member was cut short in a senseless act of violence that shook his neighborhood.
Born in Buffalo, Robert was a graduate of Burgard High School. He enlisted in the United States Army at just 17 years old and served his country with honor for 20 years, from 1961 to 1982. His military career as an Air Defense Artillery Short Range Missile Crewman and a Dial/Manual Central Office Repairer took him overseas and earned him several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War. After his distinguished service, he returned to his hometown. He was a father to seven children and a cherished brother, leaving behind a large and loving family that included a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
On March 29, 2014, a concerned relative went to check on Robert at his home on C Street in the city's Fillmore-Sycamore neighborhood. The relative had noticed he had been sitting motionless on his couch for an unusually long time. Tragically, their fears were realized when he was found deceased. Police were called to the scene, and it was soon determined that his death was not from natural causes. Investigators discovered that Robert, a Black man, had been fatally shot in the back of the head.
The initial investigation by the Buffalo Police Department pointed toward a robbery that had turned deadly. Evidence from the scene suggested a violent struggle, and family members reported that Robert's wallet and cell phone were missing. The homicide ruling launched an intensive search for the person or persons responsible for ending the life of a man who had honorably served his country. The community was left in shock, mourning the loss of a man described as a pillar in his community.
Within a few months, the investigation led to a significant breakthrough. In June 2014, police arrested 20-year-old Andre Johnson of Buffalo. He was subsequently indicted by a grand jury on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree robbery in connection with Robert Bennett's death. The arrest brought a measure of relief to a grieving family and a community anxious for justice.
The case proceeded to court, and in November 2014, Andre Johnson faced sentencing for the brutal crime. During the proceedings, Johnson offered an apology, stating that he was a drug user. However, State Supreme Court Justice William M. Boller delivered a powerful message, rejecting the notion that substance abuse could excuse such a heinous act. "Let the record be clear," the judge stated, "this court does not take being drunk or using cocaine as any mitigating factor or as an excuse... Don't blame drugs, don't blame alcohol, there's something deep inside you that's real wrong." Andre Johnson was given the maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, ensuring that he would be held accountable for the robbery and murder of Robert C. Bennett Sr. The case, which had brought profound sadness to the city of Buffalo, was officially closed and justice was served.
