On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, authorities responded to a distressing call in the 2500 block of Fordyce Road, leading to the discovery of a deceased female. The Victoria Police Department and Victoria County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene around 11:30 a.m., where sheriff deputies located the body of 20-year-old Amanda Stevenson near a bridge.
Amanda Stevenson had been reported missing by her mother on November 21, 2023, after she was last seen on November 19, 2023. The police sought public assistance in locating her on November 27, 2023. Early in the investigation, it was revealed that Amanda had a known associate who provided transportation in the area and worked for a ride-share service. The associate was identified as 45-year-old Kevin Bennetsen of Victoria.
Detectives initially interviewed Bennetsen , and in an attempt to re-interview him, a traffic stop was conducted on Wednesday. During the traffic stop, Bennetsen took his own life. The Texas Rangers are the primary agency handling this incident, and the vehicle is now in police custody.
Following the discovery of locations frequented by Bennetsen, detectives and county law enforcement conducted cursory searches. Additionally, over twenty department members, with the aid of scent-sensitive dogs and drones, searched a property near the city of Yoakum multiple times, with consent from Bennetsen's cooperating spouse and through a search warrant.
Victoria Police Chief Young expressed gratitude to the community for their assistance in the search for Amanda. Unfortunately, the preliminary investigation confirmed that the body found on Fordyce Road was indeed that of Amanda Stevenson. Chief Young extended deep condolences to Amanda's family and friends, emphasizing the collective impact of this tragedy on the community.
Acknowledging the support received during the difficult time, Chief Young thanked community volunteers, search and rescue canine companies, and law enforcement agencies across the region. He reassured the public that the investigation, in collaboration with the Victoria County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Rangers, is ongoing to uncover all relevant details.
