Murder Investigation & Arrest

Rochester, NY - On January 26, 2026 at about 8:30 pm, officers responded to 125 St. Paul St to check the welfare of a tenant inside of an apartment who had not been seen for at least a week.

When police entered the apartment, they located the body of 57-year-old Maria Benitez, concealed inside. It appeared she had been there for several days.

Upon further investigation, detectives were able to determine that on 1/22/26, Benitez was involved in a physical altercation inside of her apartment with 47-year-old Jose Davila. Benitez and Davila have known each other for at least a couple of weeks, and Davila appears to have been staying at Benitez’ apartment.

On 1/22/26 the two became involved in an argument, at which time it is alleged Davila began to hit and kick Benitez about the head area. After the assault, he concealed the body within the apartment until she was ultimately located on 1/27/26.

On January 28, 2026 members of the Tactical Unit located Benitez in the Downtown area of Rochester and took him into custody without incident.

Jose Davila has been charged with Murder in the 2nd Degree and will be arraigned tomorrow, 1/29/26 at 9:30 am.

Neither detectives nor the Monroe County Medical Examiners have been able to locate family for Maria Benitez. If anyone has information on immediate family for her, please contact the Monroe County Medical Examiners Office at 585-753-5905.