A U.S. Marine in Alabama, Willie Ellington, has been charged with the murder of a former reality TV contestant, Tshey Bennett, after meeting her at a hotel where she was working as an escort.
What Happened
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office stated that Ellington, 20, is accused of killing Bennett after they met at the Sweet Dream Inn in Pensacola, Florida. Bennett later disappeared, and her body was found in a pond in an abandoned neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama. Authorities have not yet revealed how Bennett was killed... Continue reading here ▶
Ellington has also been charged with possession of child pornography. He is currently being held at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama.
Arrest and Investigation
Officers tracked Ellington to a bus and arrested him in Opelika, Alabama, about 230 miles north of Pensacola. Investigators believe the murder happened in Northwest Florida, with Bennett’s body being dumped across state lines, about 50 miles from where she was last seen with Ellington.
About the Victim
Bennett had appeared earlier this year on the reality TV show Skrippa Bootcamp, a series featuring 12 exotic dancers living together in one house.
About the Suspect
Ellington is a private first class in the U.S. Marine Corps, based at Naval Air Station Pensacola. According to Marine officials, he was part of a training program for aviation, technology, explosive ordinance disposal, and combat diving.
Ellington remains in custody as the investigation continues.
