On July 28, 2020 18th Judicial District Judge Michelle Amico ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed with the trial against Alexander Christopher Ewing. He is held without bond.
His next court date for the Aurora charges in the Bennett Family murders is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2020.
There is no news yet about a trial on the murder charges in the case of Patricia Louise Smith which is referred to as the Lakewood case.
Aurora charges
In Jan 1984, Ewing broke into the home of Bruce and Debra Bennett. He bludgeoned and stabbed Bruce to death. He raped-killed both Debra and their 7-year-old daughter Melissa. The killer also shattered the face of 3-year-old Vanessa, who survived.
Lakewood charges
On January 10, 1984, Ewing used a hammer to strike Patricia Louise Smith (50) several times in the head in her Lakewood home. She was raped and murdered. Patricia’s body seemed staged. She was placed in a straight line on top of a carefully folded comforter. Her arms and hands were crossed over her chest as is she was in a casket. She was still wearing her boots and a sweater.
Proceedings
In Aug 2018, Alexander Christopher Ewing (57) was accused in both cases. He faces charges for six counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of sexual assault on a child, burglary and five counts of committing a violent crime for killing Bruce, Debra, and Melissa Bennett. He also faces charges for four counts of first-degree murder in the Patricia Louise Smith murder.
On Dec 4, 2018, a Nevada judge ordered Ewing’s extradition to Colorado. Ewing appealed. On Nov 22, 2019, his appeal was denied by the Nevada Supreme Court. Ewing was extradited to Colorado.
If you have any information that can help advance the cases further please contact the Lakewood Police Department Cold Case hotline at (303) 987-7474.
