COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Six months after the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old at a house party in Commerce City, his family is still without answers, and their frustration is growing over the lack of information about his death.
Shiloh Bennett was killed on March 24 during a triple shooting at a party on East 69th Place. Two others were injured, and neighbors reported hearing nearly 30 gunshots ring out around 2 a.m. Though the party was packed with dozens of attendees, no one has identified the shooter.
“There were so many people there. Somebody who was at that party showed up with the killer. Somebody left with the killer. Somebody knows who the killer is. Somebody talked to the killer after,” said Jeanna Hoch, a close family friend who has known Bennett since he was a baby.
Hoch is now speaking on behalf of the family, who, still deep in mourning, finds it too painful to publicly discuss Bennett's death, especially as his birthday approaches.
“This weekend is Shiloh’s 19th birthday, and he’s celebrating it up in heaven,” Hoch said. “It’s really hard for them [the family] to talk about Shiloh’s murder, so I said I would do that because it’s very important to still talk about his murder and make sure that we encourage people to please come forward.”
Hoch has posted hundreds of fliers throughout Colorado to gather information, but so far, no one has come forward. The family is offering an additional $1,000 reward, on top of the $2,000 offered by Crime Stoppers, for any information that could lead to an arrest.
“I don’t really understand why— other than they’re afraid, maybe. Also, the culture of not wanting to snitch on others, but it’s not OK. We need to get justice for Shiloh,” Hoch said. “Somebody knows something. Somebody needs to speak up.”
Bennett, an aspiring musician, went by 'Clockwork' as his stage name. He had just performed at Your Mom’s House in Denver before his death. Photos from that performance were used on the cover of his memorial pamphlet, Hoch said he was happiest when performing.
In her quest for justice, Hoch is now working with lawmakers to propose "Shiloh’s Law," legislation aimed at holding homeowners accountable for large parties on their property. Under the proposed law, homeowners would be liable for any harm that occurs during such events. Hoch believes such a law could have saved Bennett’s life.
As the months pass without answers, the weight of the unsolved case continues to bear down on Bennett’s loved ones.
“We would like answers, and we want justice for Shiloh. I don’t want his story to be forgotten,” Hoch said, vowing to continue distributing fliers and pushing for leads in the investigation until the family finds closure.