Rockwood woman’s death under investigation

Local News

Discussion

July 13, 2008

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Sun Jul 13, 2008, 10:43 PM EDT

ROCKWOOD — State police are investigating the death of a woman found lifeless in her home along Somerset Avenue.

Melissa Jane Benford, 38, was reported dead at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, police said.

Her husband, Brian Benford, said he had been sleeping upstairs after working the night shift and came downstairs after his wife didn’t answer the phone. She had experienced medical problems, he added.

“She was a very loving person,” he said, his voice cracking. “She was a good person, a good mother and a good wife.”

The couple has an 8-year-old daughter, Benford said.

Police released few details, except that they are awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports.

Somerset County Coroner Wallace Miller said he had no information on Sunday and could not say whether Mrs. Benford appeared to have died of natural causes.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.

May 27, 2012
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.

May 27, 2012
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.

May 27, 2012 2 Photos
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.

May 27, 2012
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.

May 27, 2012
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.

May 27, 2012
District Deaths May 28, 2012
May 27, 2012
More Local News Headlines