Posted on Friday, 20th February 2009 by Patrick Dorwin
Breaking News: Mark Benson just posted bond and was released from jail where he was awaiting trial for killing a pregnent school teacher, her unborn child and her older daughter.
Details to follow…
Update: WTMJ BREAKING NEWS: Benson Posts Bail, Released from Jail
Mark Benson has posted $500,000 bail and has been released from jail, just a day after a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge lowered it from a million.
Police say Benson was high on drugs when he smashed into Jennifer Bukosky’s Honda last April, killing Bukosky, her unborn child and her daughter Courtney Bella.
Update: From JenniferBukosky.com:
On April 25, 2008 Jennifer Bukosky, her unborn daughter Sophie Bukosky and her 10 year old daughter, Courtney Bella, were killed by Mark Benson, a long time prescription drug and alcohol abuser. Also injured in the crash were her 12 year old son, Zach Bella, and Courtney’s friend, Debbie Gibbs. Two days before killing Jenn and the children, Benson received his third OWI conviction.
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February 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Thank you Mac Davis. if hurts or kills someone or damages someone’s property, it’s totally on you.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
We all need to start a petition to at the very least voice of displeasure with this STUPID STUPID decision….
Glenn any ideas?
And no I am NOT advocating any recall petitions or anything of that sort just a way we can voice the peoples displeasure….
February 20th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
This guy is gone. He’s on his way to Mexico
February 20th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Here’s the link to the Waukesha Freeman article.
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2009/Feb_09/02202009_01.asp
February 20th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
I suggest you go to http://www.jenniferbukosky.com/ and express your outrage and support for the family on their petition.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
This is a sad sad day. I wonder how Judge Davis will be able to look at himself in the mirror tomorrow morning or the morning after Mr. Benson flees or hurts another family. Shame on you Mac Davis you failed our state.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Over 30,000 of you signed BadgerBlogger’s online petition last year demanding that our lawmakers take immediate action to change Wisconsin’s way-too-lenient drunk driving laws.
Did they listen to us? What’s changed?
Mark Benson is being afforded a luxury this afternoon that Jennifer Bukosky and two of her children weren’t offered: The chance to take in the glow of the sunshine just once more.
Drive safely, folks.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
$20 says he’s already high.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Who would post this killer’s bond?
February 20th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Did I read the Freeman article right…he was allowed to serve his time for his prior OWI conviction while being held for killing Jennifer, Courtney, and Sophie?
February 20th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
ACK! (stomp foot)
Why isn’t the big-money teacher’s union standing up for this poor woman? There’s 10s of thousands of them who could protest this horrendous decision…
And how did a guy like this get that kind of bail - anyone saying or know?
February 20th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Where is commentor “super Id” today? He/she previously wrote:
super Id Says:
February 19th, 2009 at 7:55 pm edit
Outrage is fun but let’s keep in mind that Benson hasn’t paid the bail money. He is still locked up. And as TMJ reported:
“It is unclear whether Benson’s family would be able to post bail.â€
Perhaps I’ll be upset if Benson is released but I’ll wait until that actually happens. If he can’t get the money there’s no difference between 500,000 and 1 million the effect is the same
Being that this thread is the current one, I’ll respond to this comment here:
Some of the people who have expressed outrage here actually know the Bukosky family. I’m sure their outrage, and sorrow, is genuine…not fun. But it doesn’t prevent some of those not-so-classy libs (Bill Christofferson , Zach Wisniewski , Forehead Foust) from coming here to yuk it up over some cheap political shots.
February 20th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Maybe Benson will do the right thing and save the taxpayers the cost of a trial and incarceration.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Anon,
I assume he served the sentence for which he had yet to report to jail when this horrible crime occurred.
He would only get credit for both if a judge handed down a concurrent sentence for the charges he now faces.
I give up. I have no idea as to the justification for the lowering of the bail and although I hesitate to question judicial decisions without further information, I’m at a loss here.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Roland, don’t mistake my comment in the thread you linked to as a lack of empathy for the Bukosky family. What happened to them is the very definition of a tragedy, and there’s no denying it’s tragic that their killer was given a reduced bail.
My comment in that thread was in direct response to xoff….nothing more, nothing less. In fact, if you’d like to know how I really feel about the Bukosky tragedy and Wisconsin’s lax OWI laws, feel free to read for yourself:
http://bloggingblue.com/2008/05/07/wisconsins-dubious-honor/
February 20th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Roland:
Sure I’m outraged at the Benson’s OWI, which killed innocent individuals. I wish the families peace.
But I’m not outraged at a bail reduction. When the decision was made to set bail at a million the judge (I believe it was Judge Gempler at that time) determined that Benson was not a threat to the community. You can dispute whether Bail should be set in this case at at all and that is the decision that you should be outraged about because that ruling became the law of the case.
Contrary to popular belief around here, the purpose of bail is not to punish (that’s what sentencing is for). The sole purpose of bail, whether it is $1 or $10,000,000 is to ensure that the defendant does not skip town. Apparently, Davis determined that $500,000 was compelling enough for Benson to stick around town.
But Davis is not alone in that assessment, as Gus stated yesterday:
“Benson isn’t going anywhere. He is toast. I will not let my distaste for a ruling cloud my judgement here. Benson is going to prison for a long long time. He isn’t going to run.”
Gus is probably right. And if Benson isn’t going to run with a 500,000 bail, then the law requires that the bail be reduced.
Many posters here are outraged at Davis’ decision because Benson committed a heinous act. (and I do not dispute that that act was heinous). But that is not the legal standard Davis was required to apply. Surely, we don’t want judges just to make up the law, they should apply the law not make it, right?
Davis is a conservative judge and he applied the law as it is written. He was required to determine whether a $500,000 bail would ensure that Benson shows up at trial. He did just that. But if you have evidence to believe Benson runs then I think we can criticize the decision. But it is on those grounds alone that the decision should be criticized.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I’m going to defer to the judgment of my Reasonable Progressive friend, AI on this one.
Benson is a guy who has shown a historically consistent inability to exhibit self-discipline and restrain his own behavior.
By putting Benson back on the streets, at any price, Judge Davis has done the citizens of Waukesha County, in fact, the whole of southern Wisconsin (as this turd has thumbed his nose at the system many times before, why should he stop now? Does anyone really believe he won’t leave Waukesha and adjacent counties, as his bail modification stipulates, prior to his trial?) a tremendous disservice. Not to mention the Bukosky/Bella/Farney families. I can only imagine your emotion; your loved one(s) are long since buried, and this dude gets one more chance to do all the things he cherishes.
Benson resides somewhere tonight in lake country a free man. He has a court-ordered right to obtain prescription medications.
Hope wherever his head’s going to hit a fluffy pillow tonight, they have the good sense to hide the car keys.
And the guns.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:19 am
To steal a word from a resident moron, this was a “hella” stupid decision.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:24 am
[...] H/T: Badger Blogger [...]
February 21st, 2009 at 9:38 am
Bruce, Zach is probably not going to have a home invasion tonight, but he’ll lock his door anyway.
Zach is a complete COMPLETE…Fantasy Island moron. But he has made 2 separate cases.
First he reveled in the fact that Mac Davis was formerly a Republican in the State Senate. The inference was that a Republican had made a mistake that ALL of us Conservatives decry. HE DID and WE DO.
But now Zach the LIBTARD WEASEL is making a case FOR BENSON having his bail reduced.
Which is it LIBTARD ZACH is the REPUBLICAN Mac Davis RIGHT or WRONG?
I submit that Davis was wrong. Very wrong.
Err to the side of the VICTIM. WTF is wrong with LIBTARDS like weasel Zach? There is ZERO DOUBT that Benson is guilty. He was awaiting sentence on a previous conviction to boot. Why do LIBTARDS want dangerous criminals free.
Answer: To juvenile twits like Libtard Zach, this is a game.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:08 am
Zach, I read the link you provided to your blog post and agree with what you wrote although I wouldn’t go so far as to give credit to Doyle for this movement by the legislature as these changes in law were driven by a few legislators as a result of the outcry surrounding this tragedy. That said, you’d be less likely to be misinterpreted if you simply addressed the issue at hand. You appear to understand that from your polite (no sarcasm here) response to Roland.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:27 am
Glenn, Zach isn’t honest. It comes with the terriroty. Liberalism. It’s about winning. The means is justified by the end.
If Zach’s family was slaughtered by a Convict awaiting sentence for previous crimes. Zach like all libs would twist themselves into a pretzel to justify his bail being as high as the Non-Stimulus bill.
Benson VIOLATED THE TERMS OF HIS PRIOR BAIL.
End of story.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:45 am
Patrick:
I’m Jennifer Bukosky’s mother. Thanks for posting Jennifer’s website address on your blog. Jennifer’s entire family appreciates your ongoing support.
Thank you.
Judy Jenkins
February 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am
Gus said “To juvenile twits like Libtard Zach, this is a game.” Oh, Gus/Mickey, please stop. You made soda shoot out my nose. Capital letters! Schoolyard - not even barroom-quality! - name-calling! Sentence fragments! And Zach’s the one who is acting childish? Am I at Harvard? Your Tourette logic bowls me over!
February 21st, 2009 at 10:59 am
Bruce:
“Sometimes judges and court commissioners forget that bail is not only to ensure a defendant’s appearance in court, but to protect society.â€
Agreed. But that determination is made with the decision to impose bail not when the amount of the bail is set.
Wis. stat. 969.14(4), in part provides:
“If bail is imposed, it shall be only in the amount found necessary to assure the appearance of the defendant.”
Apparently, that’s $500,00 as an early request to lower to $100,000 was denied.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Sorry Forehead Foust, it doesn’t take much to bowl you over. You’re a child trapped inside a great big forehead. Like most sissy libtards you couldn’t debate your way out of a wet paper bag.
I do appreciate you sticking up for your libtard friend Zach though. Why don’t you stick to being a big forehead in a small pond in Jefferson.
You’re a clown Foust. I always notice that dimwitted libtards such as you Forehead, don’t debate, you claim victory. You haven’t won a thing in your life Foust, that’s why you’re a lib.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Super id you miss a GIGANTIC POINT as you try to play junior Lawyer. Upon release on bail there are stipulations large and small as to what behaviors you must comport yourself too. Benson violalated the terms of his previous release. hE Killed Jennifer, Courtney and baby Sophie 3 days after his 3rd OWI conviction. He was out on bail at the time of the crash that killed them. That should and generally does have an effect on whether you are granted bail upon violation of previous terms. Benson clearly does not adhere to terms of bail and release. That should have been the deciding factor. You can try and make a case for his bail being lowered, but I respectfully disagree and I have made my case clearly.
I hope the “FOREHEAD” is reading this, and finds my sentence structure adequate. Hehehehehehehehehe.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Gus, do you enjoy using words like libtard? Does it make you feel good to insult someone using that kind of language? Does it make you feel like a big man to throw around insults on the internet?
You must be really proud of yourself!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Zach if you want to whine like a little girl go right ahead.
If you want to debate, give it a try son.
February 21st, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I am so angry and upset about this, I can hardly see straight. I drove past that horrific scene last year on my way home from picking my daughter up from school.
Benson is obviously a threat to this community. He never complied with his previous restrictions from his previous offenses, so yes, that makes him a danger.
To: Judy Jenkins..my heart aches for your family.
I am doing what I can on my own blog and Twitter to get this word out that this craziness has got to stop.
February 21st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Gus,
Your right. Benson’s previous violations should have been factored in to the decision to set bail. Based on Benson’s prior conduct, I don’t think that either of us would have disagreed with a decision that did not impose a bail. The Court certainly would have had that option. But the time for making that argument was when bail was initially set at a $1,000,000. At that point, the only consideration for the bail amount is whether Benson is a flight risk.
Under Wisconsin law, “If bail is imposed, it shall be only in the amount found necessary to assure the appearance of the defendant.†No one here has provided any evidence that indicates Benson would flee if the bail was reduced to 500K. In fact, you even said:
“Benson isn’t going anywhere. He is toast. I will not let my distaste for a ruling cloud my judgement here. Benson is going to prison for a long long time. He isn’t going to run.â€
If Benson isn’t going to run with a $500,000 bail, then Judge Davis’ decision was correct.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
mickey, I’d love to debate. Let me know when you’re done name calling and ready to debate.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Zachey, I don’t play by your rules. You don’t stand a chance. You’re nobody Zachey and I’m lauging at you.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Once again Super Id, you use flawed reasoning.
First my opinion that Benson won’t run is not what the court should base their decision on. Their decision should be based on whether he is a flight risk, a danger to society, or whether he has been known to comply with previous stipulations of bail.
The judge didn’t ask my opinion. Had he asked me, I would have told him, that I don’t think he’ll run, but he could. Having said that I want to ENSURE he stays and pays, and as Judge, you can ensure that by keeping his bail to the higher level. Please do so Judge Davis.
That is what I would have told the Judge. Twice you have quoted the law. The law clearly gives the Judge discretion and the Judge who set bail at $1 million used such discretion appropriately in my opinion. Benson RE=VIOLATED JUST 3 DAYS PAST HIS LAST CONVICTION AND IS CLEARLY A DANGER.
Under Wisconsin law, the stipulations attached to the bail are a requirement. Benson’s bail from the previous case should have been permanently revoked and any futher bail should have been set under the precedent of his bail jumping circumstances.
Again, I’ve been clear, if you are not convinced so be it.
I err to the side of the victims here. Clearly Benson is a risk to RE-VIOLATE both in the cases of his bail and his addictions. I would not take the chance and DAVIS DID NO HAVE TO EITHER.
February 21st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
“If Benson isn’t going to run with a $500,000 bail, then Judge Davis’ decision was correct.”
Ok, now I realize that some may say that this is a stretch, but would a judge lower bail for a murderer, rapist or arsonist who has multiple convictions on his/her record and is accused of committing murder, rape or homicidal arson while on bail pending lock-up for a previous crime? That person has proven that they have not followed court orders in the past and innocent people died because of that. The fact is that Benson is a “murderer” and his weapon of choice is combining drugs, alcohol and driving, and he has done this repeatedly. This judge’s decision puts this person back out on the street as a known risk to the community for 5 months until the start of his trial. I can’t accept that the judge did the correct thing by following the letter of the law when their has to be other letters of the law that give the judges discretion to increase bail to keep the community safe pending a trial. Come on, it happens and it happens often. In my opinion, this judge acted in a way that puts the community at risk, and for this, I wouldn’t vote to re-elect this judge in a million years. That may be a personal thing and since I live 2200 miles away, my vote won’t count anyway.
February 21st, 2009 at 3:27 pm
So in other words mickey, you don’t want to have an adult debate?
It’s okay…if I were you, I wouldn’t want to debate me either. Have fun hurling your third-grade insults from behind your keyboard!
February 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I don’t hear much support for Gus/Mickey’s name-calling habit, do you Zach? It’s like he thinks he’s winning, but he’s not even on the field.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Gus:
Respectfully, your combining the factors for imposing a bail with the factors that are to be considered with setting the amount of the bail. These are two differnt standards and that’s the flaw in your reasoning.
You indicated that:
“the Judge who set bail at $1 million used such discretion appropriately in my opinion”
So you wouldn’t have a problem if Benson or his family paid the $1 million dollar bail?
But the arguments that you have against lowering the bail should be directed at the refusal of bail. For example: “Clearly Benson is a risk to RE-VIOLATE both in the cases of his bail and his addictions.” That’s a good argument for refusing bail entirely, but we are nearly a year passed that point. Bail was already set.
Now, the sole issue is what amount is sufficient to keep Benson from fleeing.
MtHood:
“Ok, now I realize that some may say that this is a stretch, but would a judge lower bail for a murderer, rapist or arsonist who has multiple convictions on his/her record and is accused of committing murder, rape or homicidal arson while on bail pending lock-up for a previous crime?”
Under those circumstances, the court could refuse bail. For example:
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/No.Bail.For.2.250266.html
In fact, some charges such as high treason don’t even give the option for bail.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Super Id…your post regarding what the law says about setting bail in a criminal case is incomplete.
You said:
Under Wisconsin law, “If bail is imposed, it shall be only in the amount found necessary to assure the appearance of the defendant.â€
Wisconsin Statute, 969.01(1) says: Before conviction, except as provided in ss. 969.035 and 971.14 (1), a defendant arrested for a criminal offense is eligible for release under reasonable conditions designed to assure his or her appearance in court, protect members of the community from serious bodily harm or prevent the intimidation of witnesses. Bail may be imposed at or after the initial appearance only upon a finding by the court that there is a reasonable basis to believe that bail is necessary to assure appearance in court. In determining whether any conditions of release are appropriate, the judge shall first consider the likelihood of the defendant appearing for trial if released on his or her own recognizance. [emphasis added]
The judge has the discretion to weigh these factors when setting bail. I think “the people” have a reasonable fear that this jerk poses a danger to them.
Unfortunately, Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle is not included in the list of crimes under Wisconsin Statute 969.035 (1) and (2) for which a judge can order a defendant held without bail.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
John Foust doesn’t “hear much support for Gus/Mickey’s name-calling habit”…
I wish he’d break himself of that habit. I agree with him more often than not, but his arguments would carry more weight if he refrained from such things, along with forgoing use of his infamous keyword.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Roland:
I appreciate an argument with citations. Your close, but still just a bit off.
The conditions referenced in 969.01(1), are the nonmonetary conditions, which a judge may attach to a bail. These conditions may be imposed for the purpose of protecting members of the community from serious bodily. See 969.01(4)
In this particular case, those conditions are:
Defendant is not to possess or consume any alcohol. Defendant is not to possess/consume drugs unless prescribed by a physician Defendant to have no contact with the victims or their family. Defendant to report/comply with Wisconsin Community Services Pretrial Supervision Program, to be supervised to the max limit. Take prescribed drugs correctly as ordered by his doctor. Prescriptions to be filled at a single pharmacy. ON 6-19-08 THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ADDED: If defendant would post bail, he is allowed to travel only in adjacent counties to Waukesha County. Defendant is not to possess any firearms.
“Unfortunately, Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle is not included in the list of crimes under Wisconsin Statute 969.035 (1) and (2) for which a judge have order a defendant held without bail.”
I’ll give you an A for effort but look just a bit further. The Court could also refuse bail under Wis. stat. sec. 969.035(3)(c):
3) A court may proceed under this section if the district attorney alleges to the court and provides the court with documents as follows:
…
c) Alleges that available conditions of release will not adequately protect members of the community from serious bodily harm or prevent the intimidation of witnesses.
That’s standard for the detention hearing that should be applied.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Actually…the way I read it…the DA would have to satisfy 969.035(3)(a), (b) and (c). Sub (a) links back to the list of offenses under which the DA can argue for remanding the defendant without bail.
I think we need to change the law, because I think a very strong argument can be made that guys like Benson are just as dangerous to society as someone who commits other types of homicide.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Interesting debates, and I’m impressed by the time and work that’s going into the research- seriously. But I’d suggest everyone save further efforts and look at this through a very simple lens- that of right and wrong. Remove conjecture, precendent, and statute and just say to yourself “is it right that a guy who killed three innocents while driving impaired while out on bail after being convicted for his 3rd such offense should be out of jail? Is it right for Oconomowoc? Is it right for the families? Me, and I’m guessing over 95% of anyone you’d ask, would say “No” in a heatbeat. If we lose sight of Right and Wrong then the laws really become meaningless. Everyone has their own definition, and tyranny of the majority is dangerous, but if there exists no better example of a no-brainer.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Roland:
“I think we need to change the law, because I think a very strong argument can be made that guys like Benson are just as dangerous to society as someone who commits other types of homicide.”
I agree.
I’ll end it there and move on to new topics.
(SuperId‘s off-topic link moved to Friday Open Line thread. Because Bruce cares.)
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I don’t think there is much debate there Sean…most everyone thinks this jerk should stay behind bars.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 am
Perhaps this is a dumb question (and perhaps it’s not relevent to questions about his bail), but, considering that Benson lost his license to practice medicine twelve years ago, how has he managed to maintain his affluent lifestyle for all these years?
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Benson had disability insurance at $20-30,000 a month at one time at least, and that is not taxable. Mebbe he claimed his broken neck from his ’93 ‘accident’ as his ‘disability’, maybe his bad eyes-which could well be from the’pinpoint’ pupil reactions that druggies get-I wonder if he has a disability parking tag? (he did). I wonder if his disability tag has been turned in and the record destroyed? Or will be now that it’s been commented on here? Or, could it be he got a disability tag because he is an addict?
More than Jennifer got. ! ! That poor lovely family.
I don’t think disability is subject to a civil judgement by the victims’ families, but ask a lawyer. I loved his attorney’s comments about ‘maybe ($500,000) is within hope of his extended family’. Ha. His brothers don’t have that kind of money. His kids sure don’t-they have student debts. His wife has businesses and a place in Verona Italy. His mom? idk, but she has a place in Sanibel in Florida. IMHO, it may be from his own funds from the sale of his guns, or his place in Ft Meyers? but who knows. Maybe he got a book deal (doubtful).
Where is there no extradition? Switzerland. I bet he heads there. I also bet no one even took his passport.
Think of what he said to Judge Dreyfuss right before this happened? TALK ABOUT BALD FACE LIES!
How does he keep getting away with not following Court Orders, or State regulatory orders. . .etc.?
IMHO he perhaps uses his childhood/youth/H.S./whatever ‘old boy’ connections, and maybe he ‘has’ something on some of these officials, from their youth. Who knows, but how else can it be explained? Of course some probably just don’t want to be associated with him or admit they were wrong about him in the beginning, and would hate to have that all dredged up now, and be associated with him, or are too stiffed necked arrogant to admit they were wrong, who knows,but to have that dredged up now would be to their shame, and no one wants that on themselves or their family, so he has been passed along? Who was the most recent couselling place who said he had done a wonderful job in rehab right before this happened? Who would want to admit that? Who would want to admit they wrote prescriptions for him? What other attorney he has had would be proud to say they helped him delay, reduce/get off his other DUI’S? They hope things won’t be dredged up, I would think.
He also just keeps coming back to the court, like a squeaky wheel, and would be happy to complain that he is being unfairly singled out with this “tragic. . .. (sniffles for himself). . . .”accident”. Heck his attorney has already said that over and over, and his “sad” past situations, poor man. Whether true or not, I doubt he cares, if it can be used to sway
opinion, expecially a jury’s!
Whatever happened to his attorney’s early claims that he needed surgery, or he could face “partial
paraysis” (sniff sniff the poor suffering man)? That didn’t seem to happen, did it folks. He walked out of prison just fine. Scooted out quickly, actually. His attorney is, again, good. Probably expensive too.
He’s Teflon-Man since he started taking his drugs, eh, and cries about how he’s not being properly treated/cared for/appreciated for his hard life and caring treatment of his “family”. He
uses his kids and any other place he can get some
credability-especially for a new out of town jury. IMHO, that is what he will do here, again. Oh, and hire expensive experts to muddy the waters. I wonder if he will try to claim
he’s a ‘devout Catholic’ after he tried to make his weird claim regarding Sophia and how HE was treated unfairly under the US Constitution
as Jennifer would not have been subject to the same penalties. That was ACK! (stomp foot). Oh, but he does save a Federal appeal, since it was a Constitutional question, doesn’t he? Lawyers?
You can bet he’ll spend every dime on appeals before the victims families’ will see a dime.
O, and just cuz he passes the alcohol tests (if there are any), has anyone heard of the Whizzanator? The state at one time had questions about the temperature of his urine. Public record. At one time. I don’ think it is there any more. Why not?
The man is , IMHO, one of the best liars you could ever meet. Neighbors-run for the hills, unless you have supported him in the past by contacting officials on his behalf, or keeping silent about things like his driving his car into the lake etc. The rest of us-beware.
Oh, and where did all the guns go so quickly? There were 2 crossed over his fireplace for ages. And tons more in a vault. If he claims he sold those for his “kids education”. . .HA and he may.. . . I would check it out before I believed it, or anything he says.
Many addicts/alcoholics try to cloak themselves in
in any credability they can dredge up or buy or intimidate, and then cloak themselves in tearful but ultimately phony and
irresponsible humilty, eh? Why wouldn’t he? DENIAL can become psychosis, in its own way.
IMHO, he has taken so many drugs he can believe his own fluctuating lies, and he will try to make us believe them too. Maybe there is an ‘expert’ that can tell us how long it DOES take before you are brain damaged and simply not credible in any way. Enablers there will always be while the addict is supported in his/her delusions.
I also want to know what ‘prescriptions’ he has, don’t you? If oxycontin and/or ambien and/or
zanax.. . .OMG!
Citizens and neighbors, watch out.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
We’ll probably know him now by the limo he rides around in. He always took one to the airport. Why didn’t the ******* take one on his buzzed up joy-riding that day last April?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Ouch!!! You guys are actually going to blame someone other than Republican Mac Davis? Did you know Mac Davis was once a Republican State Senator? Let’s take the oppurtunity to make this political.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
What happens when you get out on bail? Is he monitored at all? Does he have a bracelet on? What’s to keep him from doing something stupid?
He is back to living the life on a lake. Why in the WORLD would anyone think he would go BACK to jail. Just knowing there is a possibility would be enough for this guy to flee.
Can he still be out on bail for his trial and go back home every night?
There should be some serious drug testing/alcohol monitoring. But really, how can this be enforced.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Ok Gus, It was Lee Dreyfuss Jr. who did the order for his 3rd DUI. And, Benson got a plea agreement on one of TWO violations that day (July 22, 2007), and got a judicial transfer TO Dreyfuss, after a NONAPPEEARANCE in court by Benson. IDK, is Dreyfuss a Republican, do you suppose??? :/
February 25th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I’m sure the first thing he did was refill his Viagra perscription, then he went out for a few drinks.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Benson lives about a mile from me. I’m going to take a couple of site seeing drives in the next couple days. Lower Nashotah lake is a 50 ft portage from my beloved Nemahbin. When the weather gets better I can launch my kayak from my pier then Doc Benson and I can do lunch. Zabasearch has this little satellite thingy and I found out that Doc Benson is my neighbor. Maybe I can be the WELCOME HOME WAGON!!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
gus stop yer killin’ me. so neighborly, but chances are he already fell off that or any wagon
February 26th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
GwdIII, I drove past Benson’s house today about 11:30 am. Not a creature was stirring, not even a SOUSE. No signs of life. No car in the drive.
Just thought you’d like to know. It checked, it’s 1.5 miles from my house to his.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Now hash away, stash away, dash away all? Fine by me. . . beware Credit Suisse! :0) ty gus.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
gwdIII, your credit suisse comment is more appropriate than you think. I found out this morning that Dr Death (Benson) has a love shake at Lake “Geneva”.
Maybe I need to do another drive by,
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
BadgerBlogger’s
I have taken some time to review all of the comments to date with regard to the release of Mark Benson. I see some of your remarks as political, some as anger, some as caring, some as loving…..but all as concerned. It is difficult for me to write and comment as I am Jennifer’s dad. I can assure you, less than one year ago, I would never have even considered the thought that, as a father, I would have to write of my daughter’s and grandchildren’s murder. One year ago I never would have had to visit my daughter’s grave site.
Some months ago I wrote a lengthy letter and called for the uniting of the High School kids in Oconomowoc in fighting for answers to this horrific crime and how it could have been prevented. I am now, after the release of Benson, worried that we are no further along….that the judicial system still sadly fails its people. Mark Benson, since he injured himself and his own children in an alcohol related accident many years ago, has proven time and time again that he considers himself above the laws that govern our existence. In the last twenty years he has been a disgrace to the medical field, dispensed and used drugs at his own leisure, consumed serious amounts of alcohol and proceeded to drive his vehicle, disobeyed almost every order given to him by the courts, disregarded building codes while building his home and finally, murdered three innocent people. It would appear to me that Benson is the poster child for the best example of a serious threat to society. Because bonds are “not intended to be punitive†is of no consideration here. Mark Benson is a serious threat to all of you. Judge Davis appears not to care about this as he obviously has ignored the past performance of Benson and the law “protect members of the community from serious bodily harmâ€. I find it rather interesting that the requested reduced amount of $500,000.00 was suggested by Benson’s attorney. More interesting is that Mr. Defense Attorney did not know whether or not Benson had this kind of money…..bear in mind that he had been working with this killer for ten months. The frosting on this poisonous cake is even better…the very next day the money is there!!!!
I would like to bring another point to your attention. I have not heard anything about this but I am sure I am not alone in this line of thinking. Let’s remove the drugs and alcohol for a moment. Benson is sitting in his Escalade at a red light. He is first in line. He accelerates, in a very short distance, to 50 to 60mph. He has clear vision as to what is in front of him. He never touches the brakes. He kills Jennifer, Courtney and Sophia. In the period of time it took to get from the light to Jennifer’s car it is virtually impossible to keep your eyes off the road. Instinct will demand that you look forward. My observation is premeditated murder!!! Benson had all the time needed to stop or run off the road.
Please continue you discussions. Please encourage others to seek answers to all of our questions. Please continue to encourage others to sign your petition. Please continue to have others visit http://WWW.JENNIFERBUKOSKY.com. Please do not give up…get the answers…forget email and send letters.
Thank you
Mike Farney
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Hello Mike,
I am a member of St Jerome’s and I live quite close to Benson. This whole story sickens me. The only victims here the people killed and injured in the homicide. And their families.
The law should be used to protect the public, not the criminal.
God Bless you and keep up the good work.
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Thanks Gus
March 4th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Dear Mr. Farney, I had not thought of your scenario, which makes sense to a layman, but I don’t know if it does in the criminal sense (motive?). I rather had a hunch benson would claim to have taken the drugs after the accident to calm his nerves, poor man, and try to invalidate the drug findings in that way.
We cannot begin to comprehend your pain, and we mourn. I am glad to see their is a walk for Life for Jennifer. My sibling was killed by a drunk driver, and that event was life-affirming for his children. I hope it is so for Zachary. My deepest sympathies.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Thanks gwdIII
March 6th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Riiiiiiigggghttt. Like the doc’s atty did not know exactly how much he could come up with. Sure he did. But why did the judge approve it???
ACK!! (stomp foot).
gwdIII, that is my best hunch as well. Benson would have to take the stand to say that (anyone else and it would be objected to as hearsay etc. lawyers?), but would explain why there was awful happiness with the drug results as ‘in theraputic range’ or therabouts. If the doc takes the stand he can be very effective I would think, as he is such a good liar, but if you have facts and witnesses to impeach his veracity on anything opened up, as well as in general, and he was aware, maybe he would not feel so confident on the stand, or even to take the stand. . . .and plead guilty?
rrrriiiiggght. . .and other fairy tales. ACK! Stomping foot! ACK! ACK!
My prayers are with you and your family Mr. Farney.
March 7th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Thanks townsend
March 18th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Maybe there is a god? Mark is back in jail for violating his bond conditions. I hope to God he does not get back out again. Let him sit in jail and think about what he did.
March 18th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Well He is back in jail, I hope that this time they dont let him back out!!
March 18th, 2009 at 10:18 am
A new posting with updated information can be found here.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:03 am
WTMJ annonymous source says Benson will plead guilty on Tuesday. That would be a first. His only plea before has been “no contest”. I say that would not be good enough.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:10 am
No kidding not good enough. And make sure the bail money STAYS with the Bukoskys! AND still track down where all that \”sell the guns\” money went. If someone did it for him-put them in jail for violating the Court Order. Get him OUTTA HERE.