A 20-year-old Texas man has been arrested after police say he shot and killed his father while the victim was asleep inside the family’s home, later allegedly telling officers, “I did what I did,” as he was being taken into custody.
Markus Xavier Benavidez has been charged with one count of murder in connection with the death of his 47-year-old father, Markus Benavidez, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department.
The fatal shooting occurred late on the night of July 13 at the family’s residence on Greenwich Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Mother Called 911 After Shooting
According to a probable cause affidavit, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 11:30 p.m.
The caller, identified as the victim’s wife and the suspect’s mother, reportedly told dispatchers that her son had shot her husband in the head inside their home.
Officers from the Corpus Christi Police Department responded immediately to the residence.
Suspect Found Outside the House
When officers arrived, they located Markus Xavier Benavidez standing outside the home between the garage and a white SUV.
Police said officers ordered him to the ground at gunpoint until additional officers arrived.
He was then taken into custody without further incident.
Victim Found Dead in Bedroom
Inside the home, officers discovered the victim lying on a bed.
According to investigators, there was a large pool of blood beneath his head.
An officer checked the man for signs of life but was unable to detect a pulse.
Paramedics later arrived and pronounced Markus Benavidez, 47, dead at the scene.
Suspect Initially Requested Attorney
Police advised the suspect of his Miranda rights shortly before midnight and attempted to interview him.
According to investigators, Benavidez initially declined to answer questions and requested an attorney.
However, as officers escorted him to a patrol vehicle and prepared to close the door, he allegedly made an unsolicited statement.
Police say he told officers:
“I did what I did.”
Authorities included the statement in the probable cause affidavit.
Mother Described Son’s Recent Mental Health Struggles
During interviews with investigators, the suspect’s mother described a series of troubling events leading up to the shooting.
According to police, she said her son had recently been hospitalized for several days and had been suffering from hallucinations along with symptoms related to drug withdrawal.
She also told investigators that approximately one hour before the shooting, she contacted a crisis hotline because her son said he was not feeling well.
Increasingly Erratic Behavior Before Shooting
According to the affidavit, while the victim went to bed for the night, the mother remained awake with her son.
She reportedly observed him repeatedly looking toward the ceiling and nodding as though he were responding to someone who was not present.
Investigators said the mother described his behavior as becoming increasingly erratic as the evening progressed.
Police Say Father Was Sleeping When Shot
According to the mother’s account, her husband was asleep in bed when the shooting occurred.
Investigators allege that Markus Xavier Benavidez retrieved a handgun from a nearby nightstand and fired the first shot while his father was sleeping.
The mother reportedly attempted to intervene after hearing the initial gunshot.
However, she told police that a struggle followed and several more gunshots were fired before she could stop the attack.
Authorities have not disclosed exactly how many rounds were fired.
Evidence Collected at Scene
Crime scene investigators recovered several pieces of evidence from the residence, including:
- The handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.
- A bullet recovered from the bedroom.
- Gunshot residue samples collected from the suspect for forensic testing.
Police have not released the results of any forensic examinations.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Officials have not announced whether additional forensic evidence or witness interviews are still pending.
Suspect Held Without Bond
Markus Xavier Benavidez has been charged with murder and is currently being held in the Nueces County Jail.
Court records indicate he is being detained without bond while the criminal case proceeds.
The allegations against Benavidez remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
