Naman Shrestha
Ella Lee Bennett had her entire life ahead of her when the 4-year-old girl met her untimely and sudden demise in her Abilene, Texas, home in February 2007. When the news broke out, the entire community was shell-shocked, while grief took over her mother and other loved ones. The investigation turned out to be swift yet shocking as the unexpected perpetrator turned himself in moments after the gruesome murder. All the intricate details of the homicide and the investigation that ensued are explored in the episode titled ‘The Child I Thought I Knew’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer.’
Ella Lee Bennett Was Found Dead in Her Room While Her Mother Was at Work
Charity Lee’s life revolved around her two kids — a son, Paris, and a daughter, Ella Lee Bennett. She always strived to ensure her kids have the best life possible. As a teenager, she developed a dependency on drugs but decided to work on herself as soon as she got pregnant with her eldest. Charity tied the knot when Paris was 7, but things didn’t work out, and they separated. However, she welcomed her baby girl, Ella Lee Bennett, from that union. Born on April 12, 2002, in Newnan in Coweta County, Georgia, Ella was showered by the love and care of not only her mother but also her brother, Paris. He always took care of her, especially when their mother was at work.
In 2004, the family relocated to Abilene in Taylor County, Texas. There, Ella was enrolled at Abilene Christian Schools. The young girl loved butterflies and possessed a cheerful personality. She enjoyed singing and aspired to become a singer when she grew up. The two kids shared a great bond. Around the time Paris entered his preteens, he reportedly had to step up and take on the role of his younger sister’s caretaker, as Charity had relapsed into addiction after years of sobriety. By the time February 2007 rolled around, Charity had been employed at the local Buffalo Wild Wings. While she worked, she hired a babysitter to ensure her kids were cared for at home.
Since February 4, 2007, was Super Bowl Sunday, the mother of two had to work late at the sports bar. She left the kids with the babysitter while she worked the night. Sometime post midnight, Paris called the authorities, reporting that his sister, Ella, was dead. Upon rushing to their residence, the authorities found the 4-year-old stabbed to death. On further inspection, traces of semen were also recovered from Ella’s remains and the bed she slept on.
Ella Lee Bennett’s Killer Tried to Fake Insanity During the Investigation
During the chilling 911 call, Paris Lee Bennett not only reported Ella Lee Bennett’s passing, but also made a horrific claim of being responsible for her demise. During the phone call, Paris claimed that after the babysitter left, he tried to get Ella to sleep when he also mistakenly fell asleep. As per his account, he hallucinated and thought that Ella was some kind of pumpkin-headed demon whom he had to kill to protect his sister. After arriving at the scene, the authorities took Paris into custody, who turned himself in. As the investigation progressed, the detectives learned that not long before the murder, Charity had relapsed and become addicted to drugs again. Following that, Paris allegedly displayed violent behavior and acted distant from his mother and sister.
According to investigative reports, on the fateful night of February 4, 2007, Paris allegedly convinced the babysitter to leave their Abilene home. Once the two kids were alone, Paris then entered Ella’s room with a knife and stabbed her 17 times, after beating and choking her. It is theorized that the act of murder caused him sexual pleasure as his semen was found on Ella’s remains. Right after committing the crime, he reportedly called a school friend and told him about the situation before dialing 911 himself. Initially, he tried to fake insanity by claiming hallucinations made him kill his sister. Later, it was alleged that Paris was driven by the resentment he had towards his mother to kill Ella and emotionally damage her.
Paris Lee Bennett is Currently Incarcerated at a Texas Prison
After the arrest, Paris Lee Bennett was charged with capital murder, but in juvenile court. He ended up pleading guilty to capital murder in juvenile court and was sentenced to 40 years in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years. Initially, his mother, Charity, maintained contact with him, but gradually stopped visiting him in prison and cut off all contact with him. At 19, he was reportedly transferred to an adult prison within Texas. As of today, the 32-year-old convicted killer is serving his sentence at Jim Ferguson Unit in Midway, Texas, with his parole eligibility date scheduled for February 2027. If he isn’t granted parole, Paris Lee Bennett’s projected release date is February 2047.
Read More: Jason West Murder: Where is Timothy Halton Jr. Now?
