45 years later, Poway murder still unsolved

By Pat Kumpan

This week marks the 45th anniversary of the murder of Nikki Alexandra Benedict, a 14-year-old who died May 1, 1967 in fields off Poway and Carriage roads.

The Meadowbrook Middle School student was attacked about 6 p.m. shortly after leaving a friend’s house on Halper Road off Pomerado Road on her way to her Olive Tree Lane home.

Much of the path was through open fields — typical in Poway those days — from Pomerado and Carriage roads, extending to Community Road.

Ron Fisk, 11 years old at the time, was riding his bike when he spotted Benedict injured on the ground less than 100 yards from the intersection of Poway and Carriage roads.

Benedict apparently crawled after being stabbed in the chest and neck, seeking help, according to a San Diego County Sheriff’s report.

Fisk rode to his father’s nearby shop, told his dad and the elder Fisk called the Poway Fire Department for assistance.

The fire department’s Lewis “Pat” Wills recently told the Poway News Chieftain he recalls arriving with the ambulance. He noticed the girl’s shallow breathing, then bandaged two stab wounds in her chest before transporting her to Palomar Medical Center, where she died about 30 minutes later.

A coroner’s report indicates there was no sexual assault, but the stab wounds were likely from a short knife, causing the fatal injury.

Connie Arasmith, who was a year younger than Benedict, said she recalls members of her family and other neighbors being contacted by sheriff’s deputies during a door-to-door effort when residents were asked if they recognized the knife.

“It was horrible — such a short stubby knife that shortened a life,” Arasmith said.

No suspects were identified and the incident remains a cold case, subject to sheriff’s homicide detectives periodically reviewing information. They can be reached at 858-974-2321.

Crime Stoppers continues to post reminders and asks the public to come forward with information leading to an arrest in this case. For details about a $1,000 reward, call the hotline at 888-580-8477.