Investigation Continues in Deadly Norman Shooting

By Abby Broyles, News 9

NORMAN, Okla. -- Police are looking for answers after a deadly shooting at a home in Norman Thursday morning.

Mary Ellen Benavidez, 57, died from her injuries at a Norman hospital. At this point, no one has been arrested for the shooting and Norman police say they do not think this was a random act.

Police have took several people into custody for questioning Thursday afternoon as they continue their investigation.

Crime scene tape surrounds the home in 1200 block of Stubbeman where Benavidez was shot. Neighbor Janice Larson was friends with Benavidez.

"It's very disturbing to know it's next door," Larson said.

Larson is in disbelief over what happened.

"She's just real, a homebody, she stays to herself, this whole neighborhood kind of stays to themselves," Larson said.

This quiet neighborhood is shaken after police found the 57-year-old woman with a gunshot shot wound to her chest.

 9/13/12 Related Story: Shooting At Norman House Leaves One Woman Dead

"It's horrible," Randy Larson says, "horrible to see that in your neighborhood."

Investigators say several people were outside the home just before 4 a.m. and someone called police. Benavidez was found near the kitchen, and News 9 is told no one else was inside.

"We do not believe, there is no indication at all that this is a random act. It's someone we believe is known to the victim," Norman Police Captain Tom Easley said.

Officers are saying that a vehicle stopped in Oklahoma City Thursday morning following a police chase on I-240 is related to the shooting. The two people in the car were taken into custody for questioning.

Back in this Norman neighborhood, those who knew Benavidez hope investigators find some answers soon..

"We don't have any trouble over here so it's kind of shocking being right next door, you know, it's kind of scary," Larson said.

Neighbors tell News 9 Benavidez lived with her grandson. Police searched the home for evidence Thursday but still don't have a motive.

Her body has been taken to the medical examiner's office for an autopsy.