By Miranda Simon
msimon@sacbee.com
The woman found shot to death in a gold sedan on the corner of Palmer House Drive and Blackhawk Drive at 2:26 a.m. today has been identified as Danielle Ericka Benefield of Sacramento.
The 29-year-old woman was driver of the car and died from a gunshot wound to her upper body. The only passenger in the car, a 26-year-old woman, was uninjured.
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies who responded to the call said Benefield and her passenger had been at the Fastrip gas station on the corner of Florin Road and Power Inn Road with a crowd of 50 to 70 people.
"We've learned the gas station is a gathering spot," said Sergeant Tim Curran, the sheriff department spokesman. "They went there specifically to hang out."
There was no parking space at the gas station, so the women parked on Florin Road, Curran said. They were in the car when three to seven gunshots were fired by someone in the crowd.
The crowd had left when deputies arrived a few minutes later, but they detained five people. None of them is considered a suspect. People interviewed provided no information about the shooting but said the crowd dispersed when the gunshots were fired, Curran said.
The type of firearm hasn't been determined, Curran said.
Investigators were not able to establish a motive for the murder, and it is unclear whether Benefield was the target.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting is urged to call Sheriff's Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-4357. Tipsters may also send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Call The Bee's Miranda Simon, (916) 321-1119.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.