Probable cause: Illegal immigrant needing meth money robs, kills man, dumps body along I-44

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed first degree murder, armed criminal action and robbery charges today against a Honduran illegal immigrant who allegedly shot a man in the head in the parking lot of the Road Ranger stations at 2101 S. Prigmore Avenue, then teamed with his brother to dump the man's body in a ditch at the 14.8 mile marker of I-44.

Adin Aman Cantanero Benitez, 26, will be held without bond, according to online Jasper County Circuit Court records.

Charges against the brother, Jose Cantanero Benitez, 20, also an illegal immigrant, are anticipated, according to a Jasper County Sheriff's Office news release.

The allegations against Adin Aman Cantanero Benitez are detailed in the probable cause statement:

On September 16th, 2024 Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were alerted to a deceased individual, Victim 1, in the ditch on the south side of Interstate I-44 at the Eastbound 14.8 mile marker in Joplin, Jasper County, MO. The victim was found by deputies deceased with an injury to the head. During the investigation, it was learned that Victim 1’s vehicle was missing. 

On September 18th, 2024 detectives’ were notified by the Independence Police Department that Victim 1’s vehicle was recovered and was used in an assault with a firearm in their jurisdiction, which they had their suspect {Jose Cantanero Benitez} in custody. 

Detectives processed Victim 1’s vehicle and located a red stain believed to be blood in the vehicle. An interview was then conducted with Suspect 2(IPD had in custody for an unrelated assault with a firearm). 

Suspect 2 confessed that he was in Joplin, Jasper County, MO with his brother, Adin Aman Cantarero-Benitez, on Sunday 09/15/2024 and 09/16/2024. Suspect 2 advised they were on their way to Oklahoma to purchase methamphetamine but they ran out of money and stopped near a gas station in Joplin, MO.

Suspect 2 admitted to giving Adin his pistol before the trip. Suspect 2 advised he waited for Adin near the gas station after Adin told him he had a “plan” to get money. Adin returned later with Victim 1’s vehicle. 

Suspect 2 advised Adin was sitting on top of the victim and the victim was deceased while Adin was driving the victim’s vehicle. Suspect 2 told detectives that he followed Adin to the interstate while Adin was still driving the victim’s car and sitting on the victim’s lap. 

Adin and Suspect 2 then stopped on Interstate I-44 and Adin and Suspect 2 dragged and left the victim’s body in the ditch. Suspect 2 was asked if he shot the victim. Suspect 2 advised several times that Adin shot the victim. 

Suspect 2 advised that he drove his vehicle (suspect vehicle) while Adin drove the victim’s vehicle and then at one point, they switched vehicles and Adin gave Suspect 2 back his firearm. Suspect 2 advised that he then drove around the victim’s vehicle until he was taken into custody by IPD. 

It was learned that Adin was taken into custody on September 16th, 2024 in the evening hours for driving while intoxicated by IPD and the vehicle he was driving matched the suspect vehicle (Suspect 2's vehicle). 

A booking photo from IPD showed Adin in a distinctive black and white button down shirt when he was arrested. On September 19th, 2024 security footage from the gas station was reviewed. The victim’s vehicle is seen on camera in the earlier hours of 09/16/2024. 

Adin is seen on camera approach the victim’s vehicle and then get in and drive off with a subject believed to be victim 1 pushed over in the driver’s seat. Adin is wearing what appears to be the same distinctive shirt in the security footage. 

Suspect 2 described to detective’s what he and Adin were wearing the morning of the murder. Adin’s clothing description in security footage at the gas station matched what suspect 2 advised Adin was wearing.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office news release indicates the younger Benitez was also allegedly involved in two more acts of violence, including a shooting.

 On 09-17-24 just after 5:00 PM, the Independence Police Department was called in reference to the second suspect, Jose Cantarero Benitez, 20, who had attempted to carjack another vehicle and shot a woman in the chest. He fled that scene and was later arrested by KCPD after they had received a call of another woman that he had pistol whipped. 

After a foot pursuit, he was arrested. The female victim that was shot is reportedly in critical condition.