Man charged with stabbing acquaintance to death; leaving body in plastic container

By Nicole Santa Cruz

A 28-year-old man was charged Friday in the fatal stabbing an acquaintance whose body was found in January in a plastic storage container in Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Kenneth Mullen Watkins, a black man, was charged with one count of murder with an allegation that he used a knife to kill 52-year-old Terry Nigale Benjamin, according to prosecutors.

On Jan. 12, Benjamin’s sister reported him missing, said LAPD Det. Rob Lait. On Jan. 23, LAPD officers responded to the apartment after tenants complained of a foul odor. 

Benjamin was found inside a plastic storage container. Police believe the killing occurred between Jan. 4 and Jan. 12.