During the early evening hours of May 1, 1967, Nikki Benedict was walking home from a friend’s house when she was critically stabbed and left to die on a nearby dirt trail in the 12700 block of Poway Road, Poway. At about 6:30 p.m., an 11-year-old boy was walking to his home when he discovered Nikki Benedict lying on the roadway critically injured. The boy immediately reported what he discovered to his father who owned a market nearby. Uniform deputies, Poway Valley Fire Department and ambulance personnel responded to the scene. Emergency personnel rendered medical aid and she was transported to Palomar Hospital where she was pronounced deceased upon arrival.

Although an extensive investigation was conducted, investigators never determined a motive and no viable suspects were identified during the original investigation. As the case remains unsolved, Cold Case detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Nikki Benedict. However, detectives still need the public’s help to identify the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us in one of the following ways:

• Sheriff’s Homicide Detail - 858-285-6330 (during business hours)
• Sheriff’s Communications Center - 858-565-5200 (outside business hours)
• Crime Stoppers - 888-580-8477
• E-mail Homicide Detail
• Online Tip Form (Crime Stoppers)