Maryland man allegedly killed roommate during dispute over remote control

A 38-year-old Maryland man is facing a manslaughter charge after he allegedly shot and killed his roommate during a dispute over a remote control, authorities said. According to Fox News, the suspect, identified as Richard Bennaugh, is said to have fatally shot 27-year-old Domonique Scott Hayes last week. 

The Prince George’s County Police in a statement said the fatal January 10 incident occurred at a home in Springdale, adding that officers in the aftermath of Hayes’ killing responded to the scene after they received a report about a shooting.

Authorities said the responding officers found Hayes suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “The preliminary investigation revealed Bennaugh shot the decedent during a dispute,” the statement said.

The shooting is said to have occurred six hours before Bennaugh ultimately contacted police, FOX 5 DC reported. Documents stated that Bennaugh informed police that Hayes “had come at him with knives.”

Bennaugh also claimed that prior to the shooting, he was sleeping on the sofa, adding that he was ultimately awoken because Hayes was “making a lot of noise” in the kitchen. The 38-year-old suspect claimed Hayes on multiple occasions wanted to know the whereabouts of the remote control, but he did not mind the deceased victim.

Bennaugh allegedly noticed Hayes was in possession of two knives after he removed a blanket that was covering his head. Bennaugh subsequently got his handgun and opened fire before making his way to his room.

The suspect said he then went back to bed as he thought Hayes had not been struck by any of the bullets. Bennaugh also claimed he did not notice the deceased victim had sustained any injuries. 

Police said the 38-year-old suspect, who is also facing related charges, is currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.