Martez Benton, 33, was killed on September 3, 2011, at a lounge in Chicago, Illinois. An argument at the venue escalated into a fatal confrontation; reports indicate the dispute may have begun over a relatively minor incident before turning deadly. Benton’s death was one of 433 homicides recorded in Chicago that year, amid a surge in gun violence that affected public and semi-public places like local businesses and social venues.

The case is presented against the wider backdrop of 2011 Chicago, when certain neighborhoods faced intensified gun-related violence, gang activity, and economic stressors. Investigators examined crime scenes, weapons, and possible motives in attempts to understand incidents such as Benton’s killing. If anyone knew Martez, witnessed the incident, or has information that could help explain how the confrontation began, please come forward.