Drew Planten: Suicide In Jail After Bennett's Murder - The Full Story

06 May, 2025

Could a quiet life, marked by reclusiveness, conceal a horrific secret? Drew Planten's story, intertwined with the brutal rape and murder of Stephanie Bennett, leaves behind more questions than answers, a chilling testament to the shadows that can lurk beneath the surface of the seemingly ordinary.

The narrative begins in Raleigh, North Carolina, a city now forever marked by the tragic events that unfolded in 2002. Stephanie Bennett, a young woman, was found murdered in her apartment, the victim of a crime that would haunt the city for years. The investigation hit dead ends, and the case remained unsolved for a significant period. Then, in October 2005, the Raleigh Police Department made an arrest that sent shockwaves through the community: Drew Planten, a man who lived a seemingly unremarkable life as a chemical analyst for the state. Planten was accused of Bennett's rape and homicide. DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene, providing a crucial break in the case.

However, the pursuit of justice took an unexpected and tragic turn. Before Planten could stand trial, before the full weight of the evidence could be presented in court, he was found dead in his cell at Central Prison in Raleigh. The cause of death: suicide. This abrupt end to his life left a void where answers should have been, a profound sense of unfinished business, and a lingering question: What drove a man to such a desperate act?

Category	Details
Full Name	Drew Edward Planten
Date of Birth	March 7, 1970
Place of Birth	Paterson, Passaic, New Jersey, United States
Date of Death	January 2, 2006
Place of Death	Raleigh, Wake, North Carolina, United States (Central Prison)
Age at Death	35
Cause of Death	Suicide (Hanging)
Residence	North Raleigh, North Carolina (near Lake Lynn Drive and Bridgeport Apartments)
Education	Unknown
Occupation	Chemical Analyst for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture
Criminal Charges	Capital Murder (Rape and Homicide of Stephanie Bennett)
Prior Criminal Record	None
Marital Status	Unknown
Physical Description	Information not available
Personality Traits (Reported)	Reclusive, Shy
DNA Match	Confirmed match to semen found at the crime scene
Burial Place	Dublin, Pulaski, Virginia, United States
Other Names	Duane Planten (Brother)
Relevant Websites	News & Observer

The impact of Planten's death was felt far beyond the confines of his prison cell. The investigation into Bennett's murder took on a new dimension, shrouded in uncertainty. While the DNA evidence provided a seemingly conclusive link to Planten, his suicide denied the opportunity for a public trial, a process where the full extent of the evidence could be presented and examined. The community was left to grapple with the incomplete picture, the unanswered questions, and the chilling reality of the crime.

Drew Planten was arrested on October 19, 2005, marking a significant development in the case. He was 35 years old at the time of his arrest and, notably, had no prior criminal record. His arrest was the culmination of years of investigation and marked a turning point, offering a glimmer of hope that justice might finally be served for Stephanie Bennett.

The timing of Planten's suicide, just a few months after his arrest and before any trial proceedings could begin, raised many questions. The details surrounding his death were kept under close scrutiny, but the fact remained: the man accused of a heinous crime had taken his own life, robbing the legal system of the opportunity to fully investigate and determine his culpability.

The location of his death, Raleigh's Central Prison, the state's maximum-security facility, added another layer of complexity to the situation. Central Prison is designed to house the state's most dangerous criminals, underscoring the severity of the charges Planten faced. The circumstances of his death, in this high-security environment, served as a stark reminder of the gravity of the accusations against him.

The emotional toll on Stephanie Bennett's family and friends must have been immense. The loss of their loved one was compounded by the frustration of a case left unresolved, a trial cut short. The news that the man accused of the crime had taken his own life must have been deeply painful, leaving them in a state of shock and uncertainty. In the face of this tragedy, it is important to acknowledge the resilience of the community, and the need to keep seeking truth.

Adding to the mystery was Drew Planten's lifestyle. Described by some as "extremely shy," and a "reclusive chemical analyst," Planten lived a life that seemed intentionally removed from the public eye. He was employed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, a position that offered little insight into the complex events that were to unfold. He lived in an apartment complex adjacent to Bennett's residence on Reedy Creek Road.

The investigation took twists and turns. The case files include details about Bennett's last moments, revealing she was raped and strangled. Police were able to confirm Planten's presence at the crime scene using DNA evidence that was matched to semen discovered at the scene. The evidence was considered definitive; however, the man implicated was dead before the state could prosecute him for the rape and murder.

More information adds to the story, including information about Planten's family. Drew Planten's brother, Duane Planten, and his mother, Sarah Chandler, traveled to Raleigh over the holiday to pack up his belongings, indicating a somber reality. It is known that Drew Planten was born in New Jersey, but moved to Michigan when his parents divorced. These details highlight the human aspect of the situation and the complex relationships involved.

The involvement of law enforcement throughout the investigation was crucial. Despite Planten's death, the Raleigh Police Department, under the guidance of Sgt. Perry, remained committed to the investigation, stressing that the ending of Planten's life had not brought closure to the case. This dedication further emphasizes the unresolved nature of the case and the importance of uncovering the truth.

The autopsy report reveals additional details about the state of Planten's health, including the discovery of early signs of kidney cancer. It provides another layer to the complexity of this case, where death has intervened, raising questions about the state of Planten's life, health and well-being, during the investigation.

The story of Drew Planten serves as a reminder of the complexities of crime and the impact it can have on a community. It poses many questions about the circumstances that led to his suicide, leaving many unresolved and, at the same time, underscores the importance of pursuing justice, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The legacy of this case is a testament to the enduring human need for closure and the search for truth, even in the face of tragedy.

Stephanie Bennett Murder How Did Drew Planten Die?

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