KINGMAN – A lengthy prison term awaits a Bullhead City woman who has entered a plea agreement in a double homicide. Lamya Bencheqroun, 28, pleaded guilty Friday to first degree murder in the death of Mona Carter, 51, and to kidnapping Darryl Ward, 22.
Prosecutor Jaimye Ashley said both victims were interrogated and tortured before they were shot and killed in January, 2018. She said Carter was falsely suspected of being a narcotics snitch for law enforcement and that Ward was suspected of stealing heroin from Bencheqroun.
Ashley said Ward was stripped naked, secured by duct tape and that his genitals were super glued. She said both victims were forced into an SUV and driven to a remote area of Mohave Valley where the vehicle got stuck in the sand.
Ashley told Judge Doug Camacho that Bencheqroun shot and wounded Ward who managed to tumble out of the back of the SUV before co-defendant Javier Romero, 28, fired more shots, killing him. The deputy Mohave County attorney said Bencheqroun then killed Carter when she shot her in the head.
Romero must serve at least 28 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.
Sentencing for Bencheqroun is scheduled May 14. She faces at least 25 years for the murder conviction and as many as 21 years more for kidnapping.
- Dave Hawkins
