On March 31, 2016, 36-year-old Markia Benson was found brutally murdered in her own apartment in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Nearly a decade later, her case remains unsolved, leaving her family, friends, and community searching for justice.

A Promising Life Cut Short

Markia Benson was described as a young, kind professional with a bright future. When she didn’t show up for work that Thursday, concern quickly spread. Her boyfriend and a coworker went to check on her. They discovered a horrific crime scene. It would haunt investigators for years to come.

The Crime Scene 👇🏽

When they entered Markia’s apartment, they found it in total disarray. Papers were scattered, furniture overturned, and blood marked the floors. On the walls, hateful and derogatory messages had been scrawled in red lipstick.

Moments later, Markia’s body was discovered in the bathtub. She was nude and submerged in scalding hot water. The brutality of the scene pointed to an intensely personal attack.

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Autopsy Findings

The medical examiner determined that Markia’s cause of death was a combination of blunt force trauma to the head and neck, as well as scald burns from the hot water.

Investigators also noted signs of strangulation. The violence suggested rage, cruelty, and possibly a crime of passion.

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A Chilling Timeline:

    •    March 30, 2016 (night before): Markia was last seen either entering or leaving her car.

    •    March 31, 2016, 7:45 a.m.: A text message was sent from her phone to her mother—her final known contact.

    •    March 31, 2016, ~4:45 p.m.: Markia’s body was found in her apartment.

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Investigators’ Theories

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood described the case as “a very, very senseless, sadistic murder. We believe she knew her killer.”

The lack of forced entry supported that theory—Markia have willingly let her attacker inside. Early suspicions fell on her ex-boyfriend, who was reportedly abusive before their breakup, though no charges were ever filed.

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A Case Still Cold

Nearly ten years later, Markia Benson’s murder remains unsolved. Her life was stolen in the most violent way imaginable, and yet justice has never been served.

Markia deserves more than to be remembered as just another cold case. She was a daughter, a professional, and a woman whose life mattered. Her story is a reminder of how many families are still waiting for answers.

Markia rest in peace 🫶🏻🤎 I hope someday she and her family will get justice.

🤎🤎Luna