Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers’ pieces together the story of Aileen Wuornos’s arrest, conviction, and years on death row through archival interviews and footage recorded by various filmmakers. Among the key voices featured is Steve Binegar, the former Police Captain with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, whose investigative work was instrumental in Aileen’s capture. Binegar also testified against her during the trial, offering insight into the evidence and circumstances that led to her conviction. The documentary uses his perspective, along with others, to shed light on the case’s complex and often controversial nature.
Steve Binegar’s Investigative Work led to Aileen Wuornos’ Arrest
Steve Binegar came from a family dedicated to public service, with both of his parents having served in World War II. After graduating from Lake Weir High School in Ocala, Florida, in 1975, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving three years of active duty and achieving the rank of sergeant. Following his service, he joined the Florida National Guard and began working at the Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer, later taking on the role of dispatcher. In 1985, he pursued Criminal Justice studies at the University of Central Florida and completed the Florida National Guard Officers Candidate School. The following year, in 1986, he was recruited by the FBI as a Special Agent and stationed in Richmond, Virginia.
He went on to earn his master’s degree from James Madison University. In 1988, he was invited to return to the Sheriff’s Office with the rank of Captain and was placed in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division. Between 1989 and 1990, he began investigating the murders of several middle-aged white men. The first case that caught his attention was the death of Troy Burress in July 1990. When the remains of Charles Humphreys were discovered in September the same year, Binegar noted that the bullets matched and suspected the crimes were linked. During the investigation of Peter Siems’ car, officers found strands of blonde hair inside, leading Binegar to consider the possibility that the killer might be a woman. His detailed investigation ultimately led to the arrest of Aileen Wuornos on January 9, 1991. Binegar later testified for the state, outlining the investigative process that resulted in her capture.
Steve Binegar is Giving Back to the Veteran Community Today
Over the course of a distinguished career in law enforcement spanning more than four decades, Steve Binegar has held several key positions in service to the community. Following his early years in the US Marine Corps and his tenure with the Florida National Guard, Binegar continued to build a strong professional foundation within the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, where his investigative acumen gained wide recognition. Binegar’s commitment and leadership earned him a promotion to the rank of Major, and he later went on to serve as Sheriff until November 18, 1998.
After his tenure as Sheriff, he continued to serve the state in other capacities, joining the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office as a State Attorney Investigator from 2002 to 2005. In this role, he applied his deep understanding of criminal investigations and case management to support prosecutorial efforts across multiple jurisdictions. Following his years in active law enforcement, Binegar transitioned into administrative and security leadership positions.
He was appointed as the Law Enforcement Bureau Chief at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, a position he held until his retirement from county-level service in 2018. That same year, he assumed dual roles within the US Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as Chief of Police at the Black Hills VA Health Care System and overseeing police operations at the federal level. As of 2020, Steve Binegar is recognized as a retired Chief of Police and has continued to contribute his experience and insights through his association with the Black Hills VA Health Care System. Now he is enjoying a well-earned retirement and remains respected for his decades of honorable service to both his community and his country.
Related
Steve Binegar Has a Supportive Family That Keeps Him Happy and Content
Now settled in Sturgis, South Dakota, Steve Binegar enjoys a fulfilling and family-centered life after decades in public service. Married to Karen Kenyon Binegar since September 6, 2006, the two have built a close-knit and adventurous family that shares a love for the outdoors. Whether it’s skiing together during the winter months or cheering on his sons during bike races, Binegar likes the lighter pace of life while staying active and engaged with those closest to him. Family has always been at the heart of Binegar’s world. He and Karen are proud parents to four children, Jonathan, Steve Jr., Andrew, and Kimberly, each of whom has pursued their own path.
Among them, Jonathan has followed closely in his father’s footsteps and is now working as a detective, something Steve takes immense pride in. For him, seeing the family legacy of public service continue into the next generation is one of his greatest rewards. Binegar is also a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren, Ezra, Damon, Zane, Avaree, and Alex, who bring constant energy and joy into his life. Family gatherings often mean laughter, outdoor adventures, and stories of his years in law enforcement shared around the table. Their two dogs, Pipa and Archie, complete the lively household.
Even in retirement, Binegar remains actively involved in his community. He continues to support veteran and law enforcement initiatives, including participating in Sumter County’s Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics and offering encouragement at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Surrounded by family, faith, and service, Binegar’s life today reflects the same commitment and spirit that have guided him throughout his career.
