Update: Murder Suspect Arrested

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 9:21 PM

Raheem Benally was later identified as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Detectives learned he was in the Shiprock area and obtained an extradition warrant approved by the Navajo Nation. Farmington police took Benally into custody without incident around 7:00 this evening. He was transported to the San Juan County Detention Center where he was booked on the warrant.

Update from Farmington Police 12/13/18:

Farmington police arrested 24-year-old Raheem Benally of Farmington in connection with a homicide that took place yesterday. Officers were dispatched around 6:19 last night to Brothers Avenue in reference to a man, later identified as 37-year-old Philbert Vanwinkle of Farmington, lying in the road. The reporting party informed dispatch the man was bleeding and didn’t appear to be breathing. Officers arrived on scene and found Vanwinkle to be deceased with apparent multiple stab wounds. Two persons of interest were initially detained for questioning and then released. Benally was later identified as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Detectives learned he was in the Shiprock area and obtained an extradition warrant approved by the Navajo Nation. Farmington police took Benally into custody without incident around 7:00 this evening. He was transported to the San Juan County Detention Center where he was booked on the warrant.

The Farmington Police Department would like to thank the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation prosecutors for their assistance.

From Farmington Police 12/12/18:

Farmington police were dispatched around 6:19 this evening to Brothers Avenue in reference to a man laying in the road. The reporting party informed dispatch the man was bleeding and didn’t appear to be breathing. Officers arrived on scene and found the man to be deceased. Two persons of interest who were in the area have been detained for questioning. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. We’ll continue to provide updates as they become available.

More from Local News

Bus Service to Link Farmington to Durango, Albuquerque

The need for the route was identified in the Statewide Public Transportation Plan and will run between Albuquerque, Farmington, Bernalillo, Cuba and into Durango, CO. The new service line will run five days a week, with one round trip each day, providing access to Navajo Transit and Red Apple Transit in Farmington.
Two Fatally Shot in Durango, Suspect Shoots Self

Durango Police say that both victims from Monday night's shooting, Shelby Campbell (32) and Emma Sims (32), have passed away from their injuries. The suspect, Bradley Campbell (32), remains on life support with a gunshot wound to the head. Durango Police Detectives continue to investigate this incident, but there is no indication that anyone else was involved.
Murder-Suicide in busy Durango shopping area

Bystanders immediately called 911, prompting an emergency response from the Durango Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff's Office, and Durango Fire & Rescue. First Responders arrived within minutes and began life-saving measures on both individuals. Both were transported to Mercy Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.
Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.
Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.