The Tragic Case Of Drew Planten: A Story Of Crime, Justice, And Suicide

Sienna Stiedemann Jr. 09 Jun 2025

Introduction

On January 2, 2006, the world learned of the tragic death of Drew Planten, a man accused of the brutal rape and murder of Stephanie Bennett in May 2002. This case, which unfolded in Raleigh, North Carolina, captured public attention not only due to the severity of the crime but also because of the circumstances surrounding Planten's suicide while in custody. This article delves into the events leading up to Planten's arrest, his connection to the crime, and the aftermath of his death, shedding light on a complex and deeply troubling story.

The Background of Drew Planten

Drew Edward Planten was a reclusive chemical analyst for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He lived a quiet life in an apartment complex adjacent to the Bridgeport Apartments, where Stephanie Bennett resided. Planten's unassuming demeanor masked a dark past that would eventually come to light in the form of damning DNA evidence.

Stephanie Bennett's Murder

On May 2002, Stephanie Bennett, a 23-year-old woman, was found dead in her Raleigh apartment.
The crime shocked the community, and the police launched a thorough investigation to find her killer.
For years, the case remained unsolved, frustrating law enforcement and leaving Bennett's family without closure.

The Arrest of Drew Planten

A breakthrough in the case came in October 2005 when investigators matched Drew Planten's DNA to semen found at the crime scene. This evidence led to his arrest on charges of capital murder. Planten, who was 35 at the time, became the prime suspect in Bennett's brutal murder.

The Investigation and Arrest

Drew Planten was arrested on October 19, 2005, after forensic tests confirmed the DNA match.
He was charged with the rape and murder of Stephanie Bennett, a crime that had haunted the community for over three years.
Before his arrest, Planten worked as a fertilizer technician and lived a low-profile life in the 4000 block of Reedy Creek Road, near Bennett's apartment complex.

Drew Planten's Death

Tragically, Drew Planten never faced trial for the murder of Stephanie Bennett. On January 2, 2006, he took his own life while incarcerated at Central Prison in Raleigh, the state's only maximum-security facility. His death left many unanswered questions and a sense of incompleteness in the pursuit of justice.

Circumstances Surrounding Planten's Suicide

Planten committed suicide at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2006, by hanging himself in his jail cell.
According to his appointed lawyer, Kirk Osborn, Planten left no note behind, leaving his motives for the act a mystery.
Planten's family, including his mother Sarah Chandler and brother Duane Planten, were left to grapple with the loss of their loved one while dealing with the public scrutiny surrounding the case.

The Aftermath

Following Planten's death, the investigation into Stephanie Bennett's murder continued. Despite the absence of a trial, authorities were adamant that the case would remain open. Sgt. Perry of the Raleigh Police Department emphasized that the closure of the investigation was not contingent on Planten's life or death.

Legal and Personal Repercussions

Sarah Chandler, Planten's mother, later filed a lawsuit against the State of North Carolina, alleging that it failed to adequately protect her son while he was incarcerated.
Stephanie Bennett's father, Terry Bennett, filed a civil lawsuit seeking justice for his daughter's murder.
The case highlighted the complexities of the justice system, where the pursuit of truth can sometimes be overshadowed by tragic circumstances.

Reflections on the Case

The story of Drew Planten is one of tragedy on multiple fronts. For Stephanie Bennett's family, it represents the loss of a loved one and the frustration of never seeing justice served in a courtroom. For Planten's family, it is a story of loss and unanswered questions. The case also raises broader questions about the justice system, mental health, and the treatment of individuals accused of heinous crimes.

Key Takeaways

Drew Planten was arrested in 2005 for the 2002 murder of Stephanie Bennett based on DNA evidence.
He committed suicide in January 2006 while awaiting trial, leaving the case unresolved.
Planten's death sparked legal action from both his family and Bennett's family, highlighting the multifaceted impact of such cases.
The investigation into Bennett's murder continues, underscoring the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice.

Conclusion

The case of Drew Planten serves as a somber reminder of the complexities involved in the justice system. While the DNA evidence strongly implicated Planten in the murder of Stephanie Bennett, his suicide before trial left many questions unanswered. For both families involved, the case remains a painful chapter in their lives. As the investigation continues, it is a testament to the enduring quest for truth and justice, even in the face of tragic circumstances.

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