#Bridgeport CT– The Police Department, through the medical examiner, has confirmed the identity of homicide victim found Saturday on Palisade Avenue. Her name is Tinese Benson, 28.

On 3/22/2014 Patrol Officers Hanson and Bensey responded to 525 Palisades Ave apt#506 on a report of an unresponsive party in the apartment, possibly barricaded inside. Upon arrival they were met by the occupant’s sister who stated she located her brother Alejandro Velez inside the apartment, unresponsive, the door was barricaded by furniture and had to be forced open.

Upon checking the apartment she located an unidentified female lying on the bathroom floor, also unresponsive, apparently suffering from multiple stab wounds. The medics were summoned to the scene and the female was pronounced dead by AMR personnel, Velez was subsequently transported to Bridgeport Hospital for treatment.

Based on information obtained by investigators, and evidence located at the scene,

Alejandro Velez is being charged with Murder by investigating Detectives

Lariccia/Ferri/Curet, and being detained on $1 Million Bond; his condition is listed as critical, but stable, and is currently in the hospitals ICU.

The apartment where the incident occurred is rented by the suspect’s mother who currently is in Florida. Velez has an extensive criminal history which includes arson, assault on an officer and other offenses. This is Bridgeport’s 1st homicide of the year.

The victim has been tentatively identified through photos. She will be positive identified through fingerprints during autopsy.