Overview

Unsolved Homicide: The Bennie Fletcher Case

In March 1981, the quiet community of Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, was rocked by one of its most disturbing and unresolved murders: the killing of Bennie Fletcher Sr., a 68-year-old man whose bullet-riddled body was discovered stuffed in the trunk of his own car. Despite a suspect being brought to trial, the case remains officially unsolved more than four decades later — and law enforcement continues to seek new information.

Discovery and Crime Scene

On March 21, 1981, Fletcher’s body was found inside the trunk of his 1967 Dodge Dart parked on Center Street in Vanderbilt. Family members had reported him missing after he failed to return from a trip out of town, and it was two days after he was last seen that his daughter discovered the grisly scene. Fletcher had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his face, head, arms, and torso.

Detailed Case Breakdown

Unsolved Homicide: The Bennie Fletcher Case

In March 1981, the quiet community of Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, was rocked by one of its most disturbing and unresolved murders: the killing of Bennie Fletcher Sr., a 68-year-old man whose bullet-riddled body was discovered stuffed in the trunk of his own car. Despite a suspect being brought to trial, the case remains officially unsolved more than four decades later — and law enforcement continues to seek new information.

Discovery and Crime Scene

On March 21, 1981, Fletcher’s body was found inside the trunk of his 1967 Dodge Dart parked on Center Street in Vanderbilt. Family members had reported him missing after he failed to return from a trip out of town, and it was two days after he was last seen that his daughter discovered the grisly scene. Fletcher had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his face, head, arms, and torso.

The brutality of the killing — and the fact that his body was disposed of in such a callous manner — shocked neighbors and family alike. Local authorities classified it as a homicide and immediately launched a thorough investigation.

Early Investigation and Suspect

Investigators quickly honed in on Terry James Chidester, a resident of Lemont Furnace and a known affiliate of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Invisible Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, as a potential suspect. At the time of his arrest, Chidester was 36 and had been linked by some early testimony to individuals who might have been involved in setting Fletcher up prior to his murder.

Yet Chidester consistently denied involvement, asserting he had an alibi and suggesting he had only a friendly relationship with Fletcher. In late 1981, after deliberating for about two and a half hours, a jury acquitted Chidester of all charges in connection with Fletcher’s death. No one else was ever formally charged in the case.

Family Perspective and Local Context

In interviews decades later, Fletcher’s daughter Marcia Boatright described her father as a hard-working, devoted parent of seven who was beloved by his family. She also acknowledged that Fletcher’s life included legal troubles prior to his death, involving allegations of involvement with prostitution and other local crimes in the 1970s.

Despite these past issues, Boatright has maintained that the charges should not define him and expressed frustration that the case remains open. She believes the original investigation may have been tainted by bias, and she still refers to it as a cold case homicide, even though a suspect was tried.

Ongoing Investigation

As of the most recent public information, the Pennsylvania State Police continue to list Fletcher’s death as an active cold case and are still encouraging anyone with new leads or information to come forward. Public postings from cold case advocacy groups also cite contact information for Pennsylvania State Police Troop B for potential witnesses.

Advances in forensic technology and renewed interest in revisiting cold cases have raised hope that new tips or evidence might eventually surface. For now, the case remains one of southwestern Pennsylvania’s most puzzling unsolved murders.
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Facebook Post:

Bennie Fletcher was last seen by his family on March 19, 1981. He was found deceased in the trunk of his 1967 Dodge Dart with multiple gunshot wounds on Center Street in Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, on March 21, 1981. There was an arrest made quickly afterwards, but the defendant was acquitted of all charges, even though a witness testified to seeing the shooting. Bennie’s family is still fighting for justice and advocating for his case.

Anyone with information concerning Bennie Fletcher’s Unsolved Homicide is asked to call the PA State Police (Troop B) at (724) 439-7111. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at (724) 437-8477 or (888) 404-TIPS.

Pittsburgh Press, Pages 8 and 9 – March 21st 1982