The family of a University of Idaho murder victim is preparing to confront the suspect in court, determined to seek justice for their loved one. The case has been ongoing since 2016, and the family has been waiting for this moment for years.
The victim, Katy Benoit, was a graduate student at the University of Idaho when she was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Ernesto Bustamante Jr. The two had dated for several months before Benoit ended the relationship due to Bustamante’s controlling behavior. Bustamante was a professor at the university and had a history of domestic violence.
On August 22, 2016, Bustamante broke into Benoit’s apartment and stabbed her to death. He then attempted to take his own life but was unsuccessful. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Since then, the case has been making its way through the court system, with delays and postponements causing frustration for the victim’s family. However, they have remained steadfast in their determination to seek justice for Katy.
Now, as the trial approaches, the family is preparing to face Bustamante in court. They plan to attend every day of the trial and have hired a victim advocate to help them navigate the legal process.
In an interview with local news station KREM, Katy’s mother, Kelly Benoit, said, “We’re going to be there every day. We’re going to be there for Katy. We’re going to be there for each other.”
The family is also working to honor Katy’s memory by raising awareness about domestic violence and advocating for victims’ rights. They have established the Katy Benoit Foundation, which provides support and resources for victims of domestic violence and their families.
As the trial begins, the family is hopeful that justice will be served and that Katy’s memory will be honored. They are determined to see Bustamante held accountable for his actions and to ensure that no other family has to suffer the same tragedy.
In a statement to the court, Kelly Benoit said, “We will never forget Katy, and we will never stop fighting for her. We will continue to honor her memory by working to prevent domestic violence and supporting those who have been affected by it.”
The trial is set to begin on September 13, 2021. The family of Katy Benoit will be there, determined to seek justice and honor their loved one’s memory.
