ASHEBORO, N.C. — A routine Saturday evening turned deadly on August 30, 2025, when 23-year-old Alexander Benitez-Hernandez was fatally shot outside a Marshall’s store parking lot in Asheboro. The attack, witnessed by his two young children, has left his family devastated and raised troubling allegations of racial hatred.
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Argument Turns Deadly
Authorities say the incident began inside a nearby business shortly before 7:06 p.m. when Benitez-Hernandez and 29-year-old Branson Jacob Russell became embroiled in a heated argument. The confrontation spilled into the parking lot, where both men, reportedly armed, drew handguns.
Benitez-Hernandez fired first, striking Russell in the leg. He then attempted to retreat to his vehicle, but the conflict escalated further. Police say Russell returned to his red Ford F-250 pickup truck, retrieved a .30-30 rifle, and fired at Benitez-Hernandez.
The young father collapsed in the parking lot, shot in the back as his children watched in horror.
Witness Claims of Racial Slurs
Family members believe the incident was fueled by racism. His sister, Jhoana Benitez, told reporters that Russell shouted racial slurs during the altercation, allegedly yelling, “Go back to your country” and “You don’t belong here.”
While police have not yet confirmed these allegations, they remain a painful element of the family’s account and have sparked wider conversations about prejudice and violence in the community.
Arrest and Indictment
Russell fled the scene after the shooting but was apprehended shortly afterward when police conducted a traffic stop on East Salisbury Street. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of his leg wound.
On September 8, a Randolph County grand jury indicted Russell on second-degree murder charges. He was arrested the following day and booked without bond. Authorities say the case remains under investigation, with the possibility of additional charges.
A Family in Grief
For Alexander’s family, the tragedy has left an unbearable void. His children, who witnessed his final moments, now face the future without their father. Loved ones describe Alexander as a devoted parent and hardworking young man whose life revolved around his family.
“He loved his kids more than anything,” one relative said. “Everything he did was for them. Now they have to grow up without him.”
Community Shock and Outrage
The killing has rattled Asheboro and beyond. Vigils, prayers, and messages of solidarity have poured in for the Benitez family. Community leaders have expressed heartbreak, condemning the violence and urging residents to confront hate and division.
“This was a young man taken too soon, in front of the people who loved him most,” a local pastor said at a vigil. “We must do better to protect one another.”
Moving Forward
As the legal process unfolds, the family is seeking both justice and healing. They continue to call for prayers, support, and compassion as they navigate unimaginable loss.
For many in Asheboro, the tragedy has underscored the devastating consequences of violence and the urgent need to address racial prejudice and community safety.
Alexander Benitez-Hernandez’s life was cut short at just 23 years old, but his memory endures through the love he gave his children and the resilience of a family determined to honor him.