Naman Shrestha
Investigation Discovery’s ‘Betrayed: Killing with Kindness’ chronicles the horrific killing of 53-year-old Elizabeth “Beth” Grosskopf in the spring of 2009 in her Freedom, Pennsylvania, home. The mother of two always welcomed her friends and those in need to her humble abode to stay. Unfortunately, her kindness was taken advantage of, leaving the entire community shell-shocked. Thanks to DNA evidence and witness statements, the investigators apprehended the perpetrator and brought him to justice.
Elizabeth “Beth” Grosskopf Was Found Dead Behind Her Hidden Attic Door
Born on August 28, 1955, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth “Beth” Taufkirch Grosskopf was the beloved daughter of Joe Taufkirch and Ruth Taufkirch, who showered her with immense love and support. She also shared a close bond with her two siblings — Ruth Mary Gregory and Joseph Louis Taufkirch Jr. Beth owned a dog and a cat, whom she considered part of her family. As a religious person, she was an integral member of the United Methodist Church in Cranberry Township. Described as compassionate and friendly, she had the ability to light up even the dullest of rooms with her mere presence. Later in life, she became a mother to her son, Roy Grosskopf, and daughter, Heather Elizabeth Grosskopf.
The decade of the 2000s was full of ups and downs for Beth as she not only lost her brother Joseph in 2002, but her sister Ruth also passed away in 2007. In the same decade, she also crossed paths with Robert Campbell. After four years of dating, Beth purchased a property of her own in Freedom, Pennsylvania, and moved in with Robert. Unfortunately, their relationship deteriorated as Robert allegedly began having an affair with Karen Babich. By January 2008, he had moved out and soon married Karen. Despite his marriage, he and Beth stayed in touch and maintained a close friendship.
Therefore, when she didn’t show up to work at the Center Township Wal-Mart on the morning of May 13, 2009, Robert reported her missing to the authorities. He told police that he let himself into the home and found blood on Beth’s bed before notifying them. Her car was also not parked at the house. As the detectives swarmed the potential crime scene, they found a hidden attic door behind the television set. Upon opening the door, they discovered Beth’s remains covered in a blanket. The autopsy revealed that the 53-year-old woman had been stabbed about 47 times across her body, including her head, face, and neck. Without any delay, a homicide investigation was immediately launched.
Elizabeth “Beth” Grosskopf’s Ex-Boyfriend Was Considered a Potential Suspect
As part of the investigation, the detectives delved deeper into the life of Elizabeth “Beth” Grosskopf and the circumstances surrounding her mysterious demise. For a while, speculations arose concerning how Robert’s name was added to Beth’s property deed. When the detectives interviewed him and Karen, she stated that she had added Robert’s name with Beth’s permission. They also learned that Robert had spent time in a local jail for stealing cars during his teenage years. While incarcerated, he met Benjamin “Ben” James Dennerlein, who had a history of drug activity and some criminal offenses. What further connected Ben to Beth’s murder was the fact that he had been renting a room at her place prior to the crime.
The authorities then alerted local police to keep an eye out for the potential suspect. Starting from December 2008, Ben began paying rent for a room at Beth’s house after his girlfriend, Colleen Cantella, allegedly kicked him out. Months later, Beth found out that Ben had been using her debit card without her permission to buy expensive stuff for himself. So, she asked him to pack his stuff and get out of her house. With so much going on in her life, Beth finally received some good news on May 9, 2009. Her late mother’s cabin was sold, and she inherited approximately $31,000. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make the most of it as she reportedly died on the night of May 11.
The Killer Stole Beth’s Car After Killing Her
While tracking down Ben Dennerlein, they spotted him and Beth’s missing car at the Beaver Valley Mall in Center Township, where he was taken into custody for violating his probation by means of his drug use and other activities. As his alibi, he told them that he was at home watching a Penguins Hockey game with his girlfriend, Colleen, at the time of Beth’s murder. However, Colleen contradicted his alibi, claiming he was at the bar exchanging texts with her during the game.
While Ben was in custody, the police gathered sufficient evidence against him by interviewing several witnesses. They also reviewed security footage showing him making purchases and withdrawing cash using Beth’s card. By going through the cell phone records, the detectives also learned that Ben was near Beth’s home between 10 and 11 pm on the fateful night of May 11, 2009. The case against Ben became incriminating when Beth’s blood was found on Ben’s jeans. Thus, on June 17, 2009, Benjamin J. Dennerlein was officially charged with the murder of Elizabeth “Beth” Grosskopf.
Ben Dennerlein is Currently Incarcerated at a Pennsylvania Prison
More than a year later, in 2010, Benjamin J. Dennerlein stood trial for killing his landlady, Elizabeth “Beth” Grosskopf. During the trial, the prosecution told the jury that over 40 witnesses and 100 pieces of evidence indicated that the defendant was responsible for the gruesome crime. They highlighted Ben’s possible motive and his possession of Beth’s debit card. Meanwhile, the defense argued that the amount of blood found on Ben’s pants was small and the investigators weren’t vigorous in their investigation of other potential suspects.
However, on August 3, 2010, after four hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. Ultimately, he was sentenced to life in prison for the crime. In the years that followed, Ben filed multiple appeals and tried to get his conviction overturned, but the Court of Appeals denied his motions. As of today, the 50-year-old killer is serving his sentence at SCI Fayette in La Belle, Pennsylvania.
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