A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Las Vegas when a man allegedly murdered his girlfriend, just hours after reassuring her mother that he would keep her safe. Markeem Benson, 29, is accused of shooting 33-year-old Renise “NeNe” Wolfe four times in the back of her head at her apartment on East Rome Boulevard near Centennial Parkway. The horrifying incident took place just days before Christmas.
Wolfe’s mother, Tracy Coleman, recalls her last interaction with Benson. After a family holiday gathering on Saturday night, she asked him to make sure her daughter got home safely. “Please get my daughter home safe,” Coleman said. Benson responded with what seemed like heartfelt promises, saying, “I’ll get her home safe. I’ll take care of her, I promise.”
But by Sunday morning, Wolfe was found dead. According to authorities, Benson’s father contacted North Las Vegas Police, reporting that his son wanted to turn himself in. Benson, who was on probation for an attempted robbery conviction, was arrested later that week and now faces murder and weapons charges.
During Benson’s arraignment, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Michelle Jobe shared chilling details. Wolfe was shot behind the ear, four times, from the back of her head. Benson claimed there was a struggle and the gun went off, but the evidence tells a grim story.
Wolfe’s family is devastated. They had no reason to suspect Benson would harm her. After just five months of dating, he had come across as a caring boyfriend who often checked on Wolfe and even visited her at work. “He makes you really trust him,” Coleman said. “That’s how he took care of her.”
Now, Wolfe’s family is determined to see justice served. They plan to attend every court hearing. “We’ll be here every single time,” said Wolfe’s sister, Ashley Tuttle. Coleman added, “People always say when someone passes, ‘They were so wonderful.’ But my daughter was truly wonderful.”
Tensions were high at Benson’s arraignment in the North Las Vegas Justice Court. A fight broke out between Wolfe’s family and Benson’s relatives after the hearing. The altercation reportedly began when Benson’s brother taunted Wolfe’s family. Wolfe’s father, a former Las Vegas police officer, charged at the man and was briefly detained by police in handcuffs. It remains unclear if anyone was officially charged for the incident.
The judge denied Benson’s bond, citing his criminal history, which includes convictions for home invasion and attempted robbery. He had only been placed on probation the previous month.
As Wolfe’s family grieves, they are channeling their pain into a commitment to ensure justice is done for Renise “NeNe” Wolfe, a daughter, sister, and friend who was deeply loved.
