ASHEBORO, NC — A devastating act of violence unfolded on the evening of August 30, 2025, when 23-year-old Alexander Benitez-Hernandez was fatally shot in the parking lot of a Marshall’s store. The killing, which played out in front of his two young children, has shaken the community and left his family grieving what they describe as a racially motivated attack.

From an Argument to Gunfire
Authorities say the incident began inside a nearby business shortly before 7:06 p.m. An argument broke out between Benitez-Hernandez and 29-year-old Branson Jacob Russell, escalating into a confrontation that spilled into the parking lot. Both men were armed, and according to police, each drew a handgun during the dispute.

As tensions flared, Benitez-Hernandez fired and struck Russell in the leg before attempting to retreat to his vehicle. But what might have ended there instead escalated further. Despite his injury, Russell made his way to a red Ford F-250 parked nearby. He retrieved a .30-30 rifle, leveled it at Benitez-Hernandez, and fired. The young father collapsed in the lot, shot in the back, as his children looked on in horror.

Witness Accounts and Allegations
Family members say the confrontation was not random. His sister, Jhoana Benitez, told reporters that Russell hurled racial slurs during the encounter, allegedly yelling, “Go back to your country” and “You don’t belong here.” Police have not independently confirmed these claims, but for Alexander’s grieving family, the hateful words are seared into their memory as part of the tragedy.

Flight and Arrest
After firing the fatal shot, Russell fled the scene despite his bleeding leg. Police quickly issued a description of his truck, and officers conducted a traffic stop on East Salisbury Street. Russell was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment of his wound.

On September 8, a Randolph County grand jury indicted him on second-degree murder charges, and the following day he was arrested and booked without bond. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may follow.

A Family Shattered
The most painful reality of the shooting is that Alexander’s children were forced to witness it. They saw their father’s final moments in a place that should have been safe. Now, they face the difficult journey of growing up without him, while their mother must somehow carry the weight of raising them alone.

For Alexander’s family, the grief is immeasurable. They describe him as a devoted father, a loving son, and a hard-working young man whose life revolved around his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children, building a future for them, and bringing laughter into their lives. That future was stolen in an instant.

Community Response
The killing has shaken Asheboro and beyond. Neighbors, faith leaders, and community members have expressed outrage and heartbreak, rallying around the Benitez family with messages of solidarity, vigils, and calls for justice. The allegations of racial hatred fueling the crime have sparked broader conversations about safety, belonging, and prejudice within the community.

Local leaders have urged patience as the legal process unfolds but acknowledged the pain of a family and a community mourning the violent death of a young man in his prime.

Seeking Justice, Finding Healing
As the case moves forward, Alexander’s family clings to their memories of him—his smile, his humor, and the love he showed his children. They are determined that his death will not be in vain and that justice will be served.

In the wake of this tragedy, the family has also called for prayers, support, and compassion. They hope to shield the children from further trauma while honoring the memory of the father they adored.

Alexander Benitez-Hernandez’s death is a reminder of the destructive power of violence and the enduring scars it leaves behind. For his family, every day forward will be a step through grief. For the community, it is a call to reflect on justice, compassion, and the urgent need to confront hate in all its forms.