DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — An Aurora man previously accused of randomly shooting at strangers is facing similar charges again. Nearly six years ago to the day, a family experienced a similar attack and believes he should have been convicted then.
The Aurora Police Department says Austin Benson randomly shot three people he didn't know on Thursday night, including a 50-year-old woman who remains in critical condition. The news triggered flashbacks for Sherri and Richard Montoya, recalling their own encounter with Benson during their drive up to Rampart Range for a Fourth of July camping trip in 2018.
The Montoyas were taking their 14-year-old granddaughter and her friend on their first camping trip for the holiday weekend.
"I'll never forget his face, because he looked directly at us," Sherri Montoya said.
Richard Montoya said he was forced to skid to a stop when Benson allegedly exited his vehicle, pointed an AR-15 and fired multiple rounds at them. Miraculously, they escaped uninjured.
"I had no idea what was happening. It happened too fast," Richard Montoya said. "The lead detective later told me, 'You're lucky to be alive.'"
Since the incident, the Montoyas' Fourth of July celebrations have never been the same. The sound of fireworks triggers anxiety, with Sherri noting, "Some of them literally sound like an AR-15...my whole body just tenses up."
Richard says he continues to suffer from nightmares of gunshots.
Benson was charged with attempted murder, and for five years, the Montoyas attended every court hearing, hoping for justice. The Montoyas said the defense argued that Benson was experiencing seizures and mentally couldn't get through a full day on his own. In October 2023, a judge ruled Benson incompetent to stand trial.
On Friday, the Montoyas received a call from their victim's advocate about Benson's latest alleged attack. They believe this incident proves he should have been convicted the first time.
"These families would not be going through what they're going through right now. We always knew he was going to do this again," Sherri Montoya said.
According to Aurora Police, the 50-year-old woman was shot inside her vehicle. The shooter then drove a short distance away and shot two more people who were walking together before fleeing the scene.
The Montoyas doubt Benson's previous claims of incompetency and don't think he'll be able to claim it again.
"He was still able to drive, apparently. He’s capable of firing a weapon. He’s fine," Richard Montoya argued.
Determined to seek justice, the Montoyas plan to attend Benson's upcoming court proceedings, hoping to support his latest victims. Benson is scheduled to appear in Arapahoe County court on Friday morning, where prosecutors will formally file charges against him.
"I want to be there for the other family...because I understand. I pray that they get justice because I know we didn't," Sherri Montoya said.
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