19 year old Ben Perkins-Link, a young man with his whole life ahead of him, was viciously beat to death Friday night by Christopher Hewitt, with a metal pipe. Ben, along with his friend Seth Coleman and their new friend Christopher Hewitt were out on Friday night. Christopher insisted they go up to Neff’s Canyon, which is a hiking trail above Millcreek Canyon in Salt Lake City. They stopped by Ben’s home before going. Ben’s dad remember’s Ben saying that Chris was an ok guy, although a little strange. Sadly, this is the last thing he talked about to his dad. Once the young men got to the beginning of the trail, Chris pulled out the metal pipe and apparently yelled something about a bear and then proceeded to beat the two with the pipe, although Seth was able to get away quickly and was not hurt badly. Ben did not fare so well. After committing this crime, Chris did go home and apparently talked to his family and turned himself in, which is good, but does not detract from the act he so viciously committed. Homicide charges should be filed on Tuesday. Apparently Chris suffers from some kind of mental illness, so I expect to hear alot more about that, although I doubt they will use an insanity defense. It has been said by a family member that he knew what he did was wrong and in Utah, that is what determines legal insanity. I don’t think he was or is insane, from what I heard.
Ben’s father shares some fond memories of his son, who was just starting on his adult life, taking steps towards a career and stability. It is a shame that his life has been cut so short. Be sure to also read this story about Ben. It does break my heart to hear about such a tragic, short life.
**Update Tuesday 9/4**
According to the police and the probable cause statement, Christopher Hewitt took his friends up to Neff’s Canyon with the intent to kill them. Seth Coleman is lucky to have escaped. This tragedy would have been worse if he had not. Hewitt told police:
After his arrest, Hewitt told police that he had planned the murder, and that he intended to kill both 19-year-old Seth Coleman and 19-year-old Ben Perkins-Link. He tells police he hit Perkins-Link twice on the back of the head with a metal pole then attacked Coleman, who managed to get away. Hewitt told police he then went back to Perkins-Link and hit him 10 more times in the head with the pole
At this time they are not talking about motive as it would jeopardize their case.
Father of Murdered 19-year-old Talks about Son
**update** Tuesday 9/4
Police Say Suspect Planned to Murder Friends
Father: Short life hard for teen allegedly killed by friend
My thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family and friends.
By: amy07 on September 4, 2007
at 6:26 am
This is disgusting. The funeral was so sad… my sister was probably Ben’s best friend… she was his girl friend for many years and helped bring him back to life after his car accident in ‘05. I hope everyone finds peace.
By: anonymous on September 6, 2007
at 11:56 am
Junior High years were when i most hung out with ben. i played basketball with him many a time, and ill never forget Rick Majerus B-ball camp. ben was always an example of rollin with the punches, i remember when he had the brain tumor scare. ive never seen someone handle such a bleek situation so positively. life hasn’t been fair to ben, but you’da never guessed with the constant positive attitude and smile on his face. he was an awesome friend, always there for you. I have alot of fond memories of ben and will always consider him one of my best friends.
By: Runnin Utes on September 8, 2007
at 1:23 pm
Wow… it’s been just over a year since Ben’s death. I read the original message from “mylifeocrime” and ready again how Chris smashed Ben’s head in about 12 times. I just cry. How horrible. And it’s still not over. How can Ben’s family finally try to grieve in the “right way” as long as Chris is still not sentenced, and the trial’s still continue? How long an it last? Last I read in The Salt Lake Tribune on Sept. 1st, the next/last (hopefully) trial is scheduled for Sept. 22nd. I am going to try and be there, we all owe it to Ben. RIP, we miss you and can’t wait to see you again.
By: Noodle on September 3, 2008
at 10:46 pm