Judge Declares A Mistrial In The Case Involving The Death of 9-Year-Old Brandoniya Bennett

In Dallas, the trial for Tyrese Simmons, accused of the 2019 murder of 9-year-old Brandoniya Bennett, ended in a mistrial after significant inconsistencies in witness testimonies.

During the proceedings, witnesses’ accounts were different from their original statements, leading to a collapse in the prosecution’s case. The judge then declared a mistrial and Simmons plead guilty to manslaughter and jumping bail while out on bond.

Bennett was killed during a shooting intended for a neighbor involved in a feud with Simmons, but no conclusive evidence linked him directly to the crime. Following the mistrial, the defense highlighted the lack of DNA and weapon evidence tying Simmons to the shooting. Consequently, the Dallas County District Attorney’s office offered Simmons a plea deal for a lesser charge.

As part of the plea deal, Simmons agreed to serve five years in prison for recklessly causing the death of another human being and a two year sentence for removing his ankle monitor.

District Attorney John Creuzot cited the altered testimonies and the resulting trial complications as key factors influencing the decision to negotiate a plea deal.

Devante Benton was convicted of murder in the same case and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Defense attorney Josh Healey says he believes that Benton’s attorney will file an appeal due to the fact that there is new testimony now.

Authorities also don’t believe that Benton was the actual shooter.