Three Men Charged with Murder, Virginia 2009

A brutal crime that shook the quiet streets of Newport News is finally seeing justice. Three men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a 2009 robbery and murder that left one man dead.

According to the indictment, Bryan Brown, 30, of Newport News, Mark Wallace, 36, of Williamsburg, and Joseph Benson, 35, of Dorchester, Mass., shot and killed Louis Joseph on March 13, 2009.

Each of the defendants faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana J. Boente, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and Lisa R. McKeel, along with Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, are prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

The case is being closely watched by the community, who are eager to see justice served. The indictment marks a significant step forward in the investigation, and the prosecution is expected to present its case in court soon.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-45.

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