Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 45-year-old Adam R. Bennefield of Town of Cheektowaga was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Aggravated Criminal Contempt (Class “D” felony) and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors).

It is alleged that on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot his estranged wife as she was sitting inside of her vehicle in the area of Richlawn Avenue and Shawnee Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim’s three children were inside of the vehicle during the homicide. The victim, 40-year-old Keaira S. Bennefield, also known as Keaira Hudson, died at the scene. The defendant is accused of committing the crime while knowingly in violation of an order of protection. 

Bennefield is scheduled to return on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for further proceedings. He continues to be held without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Bennefield faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. 

“This defendant is accused of murdering his wife in the presence of her three children just a few days after being arrested for domestic violence. This defendant will remain in custody as my office pursues justice on behalf of Keaira Hudson and her family,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department, Cheektowaga Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and other assisting law enforcement agencies for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Gina M. Gramaglia of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.