BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two Hamburg residents pleaded guilty Friday for their involvement in a 2022 fatal stabbing in Lake View, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Officials said Kayleigh A. Skybyk-Schuh, 20, and Harrison J. Drozen, 22, both admitted to their role in the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Brenden Benoit, which took place on July 10, 2022. Both were originally indicted under the theory of accomplice liability.
Officials said Skybyk-Schuh drove Benoit, along with three other individuals, to a wooded area near Heltz Road. Drozen and two co-defendants were allegedly hiding in the woods to attack the victim.
It is alleged that once Benoit arrived at the wooded area, he was punched by one of the defendants and attempted to retreat into the vehicle to escape the attack, according to officials. Jared M. Adamski, 27, then allegedly stabbed Benoit multiple times in the vehicle, before he and his co-defendants drove away from the area, leaving behind the injured victim. Benoit died at the scene.
Both Skybyk-Schuh and Drozen were charged with one count of first-degree manslaughter. Additionally, Skybyk-Schuh was charged with tampering with physical evidence. They each face a maximum of 25 years in prison when they are sentenced on June 27.
In addition to Skybyk-Schuh and Drozen, 22-year-old Connor E. Krone, 22-year-old Elexus O. Dean and a youthful offender have all pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the fatal stabbing.
Adamski was indicted on one count of second-degree murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence, and his case remains pending.