Houston Police Department

June 27, 2006 -- A suspect has been arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of a man at 6603 Hirsch about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday (June 25).

The suspect, Staffany Craig Bogany (b/m, DOB: 9/8/66), has been arrested and charged with murder in the 185th State District Court.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M.K. Peters and Officers A.J. Palos and C.T. Hufstedler reported:

The suspect and a friend were drinking outside of an apartment at 6603 Hirsch. They were approached by a female acquaintance who was walking her dog. The suspect tried to get the dog to leave the area, which made the female upset. She and the suspect exchanged words before she left. A short time later, the victim, Michael Valynn Benjamin, 27, came out of the female's apartment and questioned the suspect and his friend about a recent auto theft. After being involved in an argument with the suspect, the victim started walking away. The suspect then shot the victim several times and once again as he lay on the ground. The victim was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect was arrested a short time later by officers.

GO/MES 6-27-06
Inc #098502206

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.