Shay Benson sentenced to life in prison for murder of Jennifer Millons

Shay Michael Benson, 38, was sentenced Monday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years for the murder of Jennifer Millons in September 2025.

Mr. Benson pleaded guilty in August to one count of first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern of domestic abuse. Under Minnesota Statute, a guilty plea to this charge carries an automatic sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

“My thoughts are with Jennifer’s family and loved ones today. This was a horrific instance of intimate partner violence and I know her loss is felt deeply by those who love her,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “While we are unable to ease the pain of Jennifer’s loss, Mr. Benson will not harm this community any further. Dozens of Minnesotans are killed every year as a result of domestic violence. Every part of the legal system must work together to address it.”

Case Number: 27-CR-25-22998

HCAO’s Domestic Abuse Service Center

All services including advocacy, Orders for Protection, and safety planning, can be accessed by calling (612) 348-5073 or on-site at the Domestic Abuse Service Center located on floor A-14 in the Hennepin County Government Center. It is served by multiple bus routes and the Government Plaza Station on the METRO Blue Line.

Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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