Port Charlotte man arrested following DUI crash that killed Cape Coral woman

Reporter: Justin Kase Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
Stephen Christian Benson (Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. )

A 50-year-old Port Charlotte man was arrested for a deadly crash that killed a Cape Coral woman last year.

Nov. 13, 2020, troopers say suspect Stephen Benson was traveling north on the southbound lanes of US-41, approaching Morningside Drive and crashed head-on with a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old Brittany Emme of Cape Coral.

21-year-old Brittany Emme. Credit: WINK News.

Brittany’s family told us there is no greater pain imaginable than losing a child, and although an arrest has been made, it will never make their family whole again.

A memorial for Brittany is still set up near the crash site. Family members told us her friends created it in her honor. They told us it’s still too painful to visit themselves.

“Brittany was a funny, free spirit who loved to make videos and dance,” said Jennifer Emme, Brittany’s aunt. “She loved animals.”

Brittany’s family welcomed us into their home and showed us pictures, but the pain of losing Brittany is still too overwhelming, so they shared a statement.

“She made an impact on anyone who was blessed to have known her,” Jennifer said. “All her friends could say the same.”

Benson also hit a third vehicle driven by a 42-year-old Lehigh Acres woman, who had minor injuries.

Benson was booked into Charlotte County Jail “after an exhaustive criminal investigation,” according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Benson faces charges for DUI manslaughter, DUI injury to another, four counts of DUI property damage and driving while license revoked involving a death.

“We hope that this guy is never allowed to ruin anyone else’s life the way he has ruined ours,” Jennifer said.

Brittany’s family told us they worry about having to relive the pain as both criminal and civil cases against Benson move forward.

As an animal lover, Brittany left behind pets, and the ones she left behind are now being loved by her family without her.

“There will always be a missing piece to our family, and all we have left of her are memories and photos,” Jennifer said. “We will forever be broken-hearted.”

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