LELAND — Woodford Road resident Troy Lee Benson, 48, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of 18-year-old Katelyn Lea Barnes.
According to a Wednesday release from the Leland Police Department, Benson was served with the arrest warrant on Tuesday, March 19, and was transported to the Brunswick County Detention Center where he received a $50,000 secured bond.
On December 18, the LPD investigated the death of Barnes, a resident on the 100 block of Woodford Road. According to LPD Lieutenant Jeremy Humphries, an autopsy and toxicology screening indicated that she died from acute ethanol toxicity — alcohol poisoning.
The warrant states there is probable cause that Benson “unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did kill and slay” Barnes and that he willfully gave spiritous liquor to a person under the age of 21.
The warrant also stated that Barnes knowingly “caused, encouraged, and aided” a 15-year-old juvenile to consume alcohol.
The date of the offense on the warrant is listed as Monday, December 17, through Tuesday, December 18.
According to the LPD, the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Berry at the LPD at (910) 371-1100.
