Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of roommate in Richfield

On Monday, a judge sentenced Shay Michael Benson to life in prison for the murder of his roommate a year ago.

The 38-year-old will have the possibility of parole after serving 30 years in prison.

Benson pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse, with a past pattern of domestic abuse. The plea to this charge was an automatic life sentence with possible parole, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office press release said.

As previously reported, Benson called 911 on the morning of Sept. 7, 2025, saying his roommate had cracked her head open in the shower, according to the criminal complaint.

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