Family of Yashanee Vaughn shook up over Bennette plea offer
»Play Video
PORTLAND, Ore. - An offer is on the table that would send Parrish Bennette to jail for 18 years for the murder of Yashanee Vaughn.
The offer would mean no parole, no chance for early release and no time off for good behavior if Bennette pleads guilty to killing the 14-year-old in March, 2011, according to sources.
A hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday to discuss the offer. There is no guarantee it will be accepted.
Bennette originally told his father that Vaughn was killed when his gun accidentally went off but later denied having made those statements when questioned by detectives.
The offer came about after discussions between Bennette’s lawyers and prosecutors.
Reaction from Victim's Family
Members of Vaughn’s family were told about the possibility of a deal in a meeting Tuesday afternoon and were originally very vocal that they thought that 18 years was not enough. At least one member of the family, though, pointed out that no amount of time would bring Yashanee back and that there was a certain wisdom in accepting a guaranteed prison time for Bennette, sources told KATU.
At the meeting, there was discussion of the fact that if they did not reach a settlement and went to trial, there would be no guarantee of conviction. And, even if he was convicted of the top charge, there are several mitigating factors that could result him in not serving much more than 18 years anyway.
Among the factors that could weigh against a conviction are the fact that he has claimed the shooting was an accident, that he had a clean record, his age and that, ultimately, he did help lead investigators to her body.
The family put out a statement late Tuesday expressing displeasure with the possible settlement. "Today is a sad day for justice for Yashanee and her family," the statement said.
Yashanee’s grandmother, Reynelda Hayes, added: "It’s my time to mourn. I’ve held my family together for two years and now my heart is filled with tears and regrets we could not save my granddaughter from this monster."
The family’s statement also states they believe that Bennette had help, something investigators strongly dispute.
Sources told KATU that while Bennette (pictured at right in a booking photo) did ask a friend to hide the gun, there is not a shred of evidence that anyone was else was involved in either the murder or the disposal of Yashanee’s body afterward.
If no settlement is reached, the trial is scheduled to begin on February 1.
"Of course we want more," Vaughn's aunt, Shawnta Hayes, later said on camera. "We want him in jail for life. But what can we do?"
"The community has stood by us, behind our family, for a lot of this and we can't thank them enough," Hayes added. "But it just feels like when she went missing no one took us serious. And we made it this far and are still getting a slap in the face very time. I guess the only good thing we can do is be happy we found her."
Background
Yashanee Vaughn disappeared in March 2011 and for several months no one knew where she was. Police had reason to believe she had met with foul play but their prime suspect, 16-year-old Parrish Bennette, was not talking.
Bennette was the last person to see Vaughn alive and was indicted on murder charges early on in the investigation after detectives found evidence that pools of blood had soaked through the carpet in his bedroom. Isopropyl and bleach were found as well and fluid inside a vacuum in the home had traces of blood. A picture of the teenage boy holding a gun the day before Vaughn disappeared also surfaced.
Despite the mounting evidence against him, and pleas from Vaughn's family to tell them what happened to her, Bennette kept quiet.
Searches continued and the girl's family kept the case in the public eye by holding rallies, passing out missing person fliers and keeping Vaughn's name in the media. The girl's family and friends hoped to find her alive, even though deep in their hearts they felt something terrible had happened to her.
On July 15, 2011, their fears were confirmed when police found Vaughn's remains buried along a trail at Rocky Butte in Northeast Portland. Although no plea deal was reached, Bennette had finally opened up and told the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office where searchers should look.
Two weeks later, Vaughn was laid to rest at a memorial where family and friends gathered to celebrate her short life. And Bennette remained in jail, awaiting trial.
Case Timeline
- March 19, 2011 - Yashanee Vaughn disappears after meeting Parrish Bennette at a Taco Bell on Northeast 82nd Avenue.
- March 21, 2011 - Yashanee's mother, Shaquita Louis, files a missing persons report.
- Sunday, March 27 - Detectives receive information that Bennette admitted to his father that his gun "went off" and hit Yashanee, and that he then disposed of the body. Bennette denies everything when questioned by detectives.
- March 28, 2011 - Bennette's home and his grandparents' home are searched. Detectives notice the floor in Bennette's bedroom has been recently cleaned and there is a steam carpet cleaner there as well. Police notice a slight discoloration in the bedroom carpet and when they pull it up, they find blood soaked in the carpet pad through to the wooden sub floor. Blood is also found on the mattress, walls, near a desk, in the catch basin of the steam cleaner and on some clothing. DNA testing finds it is the blood of Yashanee Vaughn.
- March 31, 2011 - Bennette is arrested.
- April 8, 2011 - Bennette is indicted for murder.
- June 6, 2011 - Detectives recover the gun they believe was used in the murder of Yashanee Vaughn.
- June 24, 2011 - Police outline the evidence against Bennette at a bail hearing, including the blood found in his bedroom and a picture of Bennette holding a gun the day before Vaughn disappeared.
- July 7, 2011 - Judge denies bail for Bennette.
- July 15, 2011 - Police announce they have found human remains at Rocky Butte. The remains are not positively identified as those of Yashanee Vaughn but the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office says Bennette gave them information to lead them to Vaughn's body.
- July 19, 2011 - Police confirm that the remains found at Rocky Butte are those of Yashanee Vaughn.
- July 30, 2011 - Friends and family hold a memorial service for Yashanee Vaughn to lay her to rest.
- December 9, 2012 - Parrish Bennette Jr. is charged with assaulting a corrections officer after officials say he refused to go back to his cell and then attacked a guard.
Plea bargain my a.. Turn the low-life scum loose, tell me where he is and I'll save the state from having to support him for 18 years.
I am willing to bet that the victim has "brothahs" or "cuzzins" already in state custody who would be happy to mete out a little prison justice. Bennete will never leave custody alive
Â
When you date a gangster or associate with them, there can be bad outcomes.... Sad, but the plea deal is probably the best thing...
"But it just feels like when she went missing no one took us serious."Â Yes, that's because you all kept showing up to the rallies wearing your gang colors, and were raising this young girl to be a future criminal.
No parent should outlive their children, especially under such disturbing circumstances.Â
Â
"Â At least one member of the family, though, pointed out that no amount of time would bring Yashanee back and that there was a certain wisdom in accepting a guaranteed prison time for Bennette."
Â
However difficult it may be to accept this statement as truth, it is. The worthless puke who shot and killed your daughter is alive. Right or wrong, he is. He then, as I recall, assaulted a prison guard while in jail, thereby demonstrating that he has not learned anything about societal roles and self-control while in prison for a few months. There is hope that 216 consecutive months incarcerated will impose some aspect of humility, and some realizations about self control and respect for life upon him. More than likely, not, but there is always hope.
Â
I would also hope that Yashanees mother has taken something other than vindictiveness and anger away from this whole sad situation. There is NO way that anyone other than gangsta-boy can be held responsible for her daughters death. My statement should in no way be taken to imply that. As I recall, she still has two children that she cares for. My hope is for healing in her, and her two remaining children. I also sincerely hope that this experience has helped her to grow and mature in her maternal skills.Â
In my opinion, a plea offer, if accepted, would mean the victims family would not need to go through the ordeal of seeing this go to trial. However, it would also mean that they may never fully know what led to the events that took place, or see justice served in a court of law by judge and jury. I am certain that this must be painful for the family and friends of Yashanee to go through, personally, I think 18 years is too short of a sentence. I mean, if the gun accidentally went off, accidents do happen, but then, why not own up to it and call the police then and there? Parrish deserves more of a sentence than what is offered by an 18 year plea deal.
It breaks my heart to see this family treated like they did something wrong, Parrish Bennette KILLED YASHANEE AND THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE... How do we judge the family and make it seem as if they are responsible. Anybody that have children know that being a parent is a difficult job and none of us do it perfect so STOP making excuses for this young man being a killer, his parents aren't to blame either. The decision he made to take someone's life would of his own and him and only him should be made to pay for his crime". Now I hate to say this but if this was a white girl her parents wouldn't be held responsible and her killer would not be given a plea offer especially when there IS so much evident. And they ( the District Attorney ) know that Parrish committed cold blooded murder and he should be at the least given life without parole. My prays are with both the victim's parent and the family of the killer.
What a bunch of phooy, Â Hey dad I accidentally shot my girlfriend in my bedroom, can you help me dump the body? Â Sure thing, son. Â A 16 year old with a gun, well we know he didn't go through a background check, or register this gun. Â No amount of new guns laws that by pass Congress whould have prevented this disgracfull murder. Â Deeply sorry to her family for their loss.
 @czullo If the gun were secured and locked away, would this have happened?
@czullo Actually the dad didn't help him, he turned him in. He saw his son acting wierd and was suspicious, confronted him and after he confessed the dad went to police.
For those of you (and myself) who cannot believe this little punk got ONLY 18 years, you have to realize that he will probably get either killed in prison, or get with a gang and get himself in trouble - therefore getting stuck in prison even longer. While it doesn't make sense now, he will get his.
 @Sarbar Oh yeah, he will probably stay in there. he will get caught up in the prison mentality and commit a crime in there. Almost certainly.
No one deserves the fate that this young girl received. Â Society needs to view children as children, and not something to get out of the house because they are being given a hard time by them. Â Whatever the reasons, in my opinion, this girl, as just 14 years of age, should have been home. Â Not dating gangsters. Â Parents need to realize that their community will judge how well of a job they did, through the actions of their children. Â Sure. Â Some kids are destined to raise blood pressure (for lack of a word that would get deleted on here). Â But there are those, who you see dressed in a fashion much too old for their age, and are allowed privileges that are more adult-minded. Â I think that this is one of those cases. Â Despite this family's tragic loss, I think it is even more tragic that this family allowed for their young adolescent daughter to portray herself in such a manner that she would have to encounter such a situation. Â Teach respect, and your child will respect themselves as well. Â So senseless this crime was. Â And so very unnecessary.
 @My2Cents There's no good that can come from your bashing of her family! I personally wasn't a fan of Yashanee's mothers actions, but children will do what they want, regardless of what parents try to do. With so much pain that has been inflicted on the people who loved Yashanee, how can you feel good about making such comments?
 @pdxd As a lesson.  And perhaps it should be an example of how society needs to change its values.  If kids are allowed to go on like this, then it's time to change this.  Being a parent of a grown daughter myself, I understand fully how parents have their hands tied on what they can do for their children. My statement is not to condemn the family, but to express my opinion on where things are these days. Â
Seems to me the "accident" claim is diminished when you cover up the death for four months. Makes it look intentional. He is a little gang banger punk, and 18 years of prison will not change that. He will always be a little gang banger punk, he will not be rehabilitated, and he will never make a positive contribution to society. His parents taught him to be what he is, it's all he knows.
Our legal system sucks! Â Someone who murders someone can live in jail for 18 years and then be set free. Â They should rot in jail!! Â Their victim will never be free to live again, the murderer shouldn't have more rights than the victim.
Just another example of our government being soft on gun crime. Â They will use this kind of case to justify more gun control. Â Then they will release this piece of crap back into our society in 18 years to offend again. Â Of course it will be illegal for him to have a gun, but it won't stop him just like the laws did not stop this crime. Â Using a gun in commision of a violent crime should be a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Â If we want to change the violence we are dealing with in this counrty lets stop releasing these criminals that are a blight on our communities.
Bet if the creep had killed governor Kitzhaubers child or grandchild he would not be backing prison budget cuts. had this been my child murdered I'd go looking for the judge and all responsable for coddling the thug.
18 years for murder and cover-up. Nope not long enough!!! They should have told him plea to life and we will remove the death sentance.
Make sure you charge her neglectful parents, too, because she never would have been on the path toward her death if not for their irresponsibility.
@starshadow The photo of her posted above makes her look like a prostitute.
 @starshadow The murderer is always the one responsible for murder. Your posting implies she somehow "deserved to be murdered" because of whom she associated with.. NO ONE deserves to be murdered.
This plea deal actually makes sense. I think he's be found guilty if the case went to trial, but I'm not sure he would ever end up serving 18 years. He could be sentenced to 25 years, then get out in 5 years. He would most likely not end up serving 18 years. I understand the family's frustration, but this plea deal is probably in their favor.
 @QuandoQuandoQuando Yes, under Oregon's 'soft on serious crime' sentencing grid, I agree. It's a shame that our governor is again trying to soften sentencing. If they can get a solid 18, take it.
Couple of things: I wonder if this plea would even have been made if the victim had been a young caucasian female? DON'T EVEN THINK IT: I'm a white,46 yo professional female. Also, with just 18 years, he will be 35 when he gets out of prison. Young enough to still have a life, a family; things that Ms. Vaughn will never have.
Â
 @SWIMMOM Why does it always have to be a race thing?
 @SWIMMOM Well, I do think it would have been offered. But it's sad that we even have to wonder, isn't it. And I'm a white, 67 yo female. I would be in favor of this, but I fear that 18 years in prison is not going to mean releasing a man who will redeem himself.
We could also have another Casey Anthony......all it takes is one juror to feel he's too young, etc., & set him
FREE. It could happen....just sayin
So what ever happend to Yashanee Vaughn's little brother the 11-year-old boy with gun on MAX? Did he get a plea deal? http://www.katu.com/news/local/Mom-says-11-year-old-boy-with-gun-on-MAX-harassed-her-138237844.html
@MrMonkey Mauer Wow. Enlightening, isn't it? Thanks for sharing!
The DA just hates to go to court. All that extra work for no extra pay. All that time spend doing research and attending court. And you have to go up against court appointed attornies - REAL attornies, not the kind that work for the government, attornies who have brains and know the law.  Gosh, it's so embarrassing to look so stupid in front of so many people. And you can lose, too. Take the deal.
"no parole, no time off for good behavior and no chance for early release...."  lol. That's the same promise they always give. In ten years a new governor will decide his conscience won't allow him to let this poor child remain in prison for a crime commited when he was so young.Â
 @hankhandsome Especially if he is as big of an idiot as the current Governor
They'll "control" firearms which affect law abiding people, but offer plea deals to cold blooded remorseless little gang banger murderers. Â Then, scratch their heads as to why violence is a problem in our country. Â PatheticÂ
 @'CouvGuy We have not seen anything yet since a mehican drug cartel has set up shop in the 'Couv....
Personally I think that the DA has a good shot at life in prison or at the very least 30 years and a chance for parole. There is no chance of getting the death penalty in Multnomah County.
Â
If politicians want to get tough on gun crimes then get tough on gun crimes. He was not allowed to have guns, had in illegal gun, and because of it a young girl is dead.
Â
He also assaulted a corrections officer and resisted arrest while in jail.
 @RalphCramden Unfortunately there wasn't any chance of getting the death penalty for this teenager or any other teen who commits murder. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in March 2005 that it is a violation of the eighth amendment to impose the death penalty on anyone under the age of eighteen. http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/juveniles-and-death-penalty.
Â
It seems to me an eighteen year sentence is too light. Life in prison would be more appropriate.Â
 @RalphCramden OK, I used to try and get skel's the death penalty, but it was explained to me as I stated in a comment just down below. Oh yea, not exactly sure how a skel resists arrest in the jail when they are already in custody - I could be wrong as usual. If it is twue, the arresting officer would have to make the charge, after the fact...
 @bonedÂ
Assaulting a public safety officer anywhere is a crime. They can be arrested and if they resist that charge can be added. In this case it will add nothing to his time but it does show a propensity towards violence and will be used in court if there is a trial.
Â
In this case it would be hard to prove agg murder so no death penalty. Besides this is Multnomah county.
 @RalphCramden Assault, not Resisting Arrest, Sir. I picked-up my guitar and played, 'Green Onions.'
Â
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjJ524l49Y
Â
Nothing like plea bargains in order to make it all go away. Spent too many years trying to get  skel's like this life, only to have it plead down to a lesser crime. It was explained to me by the DA's Office that their hands were tied, as well as the judges because of the Legislators in the State of ORYGUN.
Total BS....FRY HIM.....NOW!
 @B Smizzle Hopefully he will find God in prison during sex and pain is all we can hope for if he even survives...
How about he be executed, now that should be the offer.
Â
Oh wait Kitz would not allow that to happen. I volunteer to do the deed.
 @FreerideNOT I am pretty sure that if the DA could prove aggravated murder charges, they would have. Only aggravated murder charges can be punished with the death penalty.Â
 @FreerideNOT Kitzhaber is a moron
 @rozeguy  @FreerideNOT So were you born stupid?  There are no Kitzhaber's in Oregon government.  I suggest you get a brain cell count, before there's nothing left.