Silvana Bennett, aged 35, tragically lost her life on September 23, 2018, in Bradenton, Florida. The incident occurred in the late hours of the night at her residence on Griffith Terrace. According to reports, the fatal event was a result of a domestic dispute that escalated into a murder-suicide. Silvana's husband, James Bennett, was identified as the perpetrator. During a heated argument, James Bennett shot and killed Silvana and her 16-year-old daughter, Andrea Barberena-Rojas.
Following the shootings, James Bennett turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene after receiving a distress call. Upon arrival, deputies found Silvana and James Bennett deceased. Andrea Barberena-Rojas was found critically injured but still alive. Despite the paramedics' efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. The investigation revealed that James Bennett's mother, Carla, and a two-year-old child were also present in the home during the incident but were unharmed.
The case was classified as a murder-suicide, with no further arrests or suspects involved. The investigation concluded that the motive behind the tragic event was rooted in ongoing marital problems between Silvana and James Bennett. Friends and family of the victims were left devastated by the sudden and violent loss. Andrea Barberena-Rojas was remembered by her peers at Lakewood Ranch High School as a compassionate and vibrant individual, leaving a lasting legacy among her friends and ROTC teammates.
The community of Bradenton mourned the loss of Silvana and Andrea, with many expressing their shock and sorrow over the incident. The case highlighted the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in troubled relationships. The surviving family members, including the young child, were provided with support and care in the aftermath of the tragedy.
