Florida Man Arrested for Ambush Killing of Deputy Corrections Officer

Kevin Bennette, 32, was arrested for the fatal shooting of Deputy Corrections Officer Basil Powell in Florida, who was ambushed outside his home.

A Florida man accused of ambushing and murdering a deputy corrections officer was taken into custody on Feb. 13—wearing the handcuffs that once belonged to his alleged victim.

Kevin Bennette, 32, was arrested following an intensive investigation into the shooting death of Basil Powell, 39, a deputy corrections officer with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Authorities say Powell was gunned down outside his home on Feb. 10 while his 5-year-old daughter sat in the car, waiting for him.

According to police, Bennette "targeted and ambushed" Powell, allegedly fueled by anger over Powell's relationship with Bennette's ex-girlfriend.

A Targeted Attack

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw addressed the media after Bennette's arrest, highlighting the suspect's history of violent offenses, including domestic violence.

"I think he was extremely agitated over that and upset," Bradshaw said, referring to Powell's relationship with Bennette's former partner. "But that doesn't excuse the fact that he doesn't have the right to kill anybody over a bad relationship with a lady."

Authorities revealed that when Bennette was taken into custody, he was secured with Powell's handcuffs. Investigators praised the "great forensic evidence" gathered in the case, which helped lead to the arrest. While the suspected murder weapon has not yet been recovered, law enforcement continues executing search warrants to gather further evidence.

A Devoted Father's Final Moments

Powell's young daughter was unharmed in the attack, but she witnessed the horrifying scene from inside the vehicle.

Just hours before the shooting, Powell had picked her up from daycare. One of her teachers shared how devoted he was as a father.

"He had just left here, and every time he came in, he greeted us," the teacher told WPBF. "He asked us how her day was. He wanted to know what was happening with his little girl daily."

Ongoing Investigation

As authorities continue investigating, Bennette remains in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the maximum charges for Powell's murder.

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