A Montana man, Kraig Walter Benson, has been handed a life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and a local bartender, whom he believed were having an affair. Benson was given a 140-year sentence on Friday, following his conviction in October 2024 for the premeditated murder of his wife, Jenny Benson, 49, and Logan Gardner, 43, a bartender.
During the sentencing, Jenny Benson’s father expressed his hope that Benson would endure a miserable existence behind bars. Benson’s daughter also shared her fears, stating that she felt unsafe knowing her father was still alive. Kris Norton, Benson’s sister, expressed her grief over the incident, stating that the anger that had torn their family apart was a life sentence in itself.
The fatal incident took place at the Four Aces Bar in Superior, Montana, on August 27, 2023. Surveillance footage from the bar and a nearby business captured the entire event. The video showed Benson exiting the bar, retrieving a firearm from his wife’s Chevrolet Tahoe, and reentering the bar. He then shot his wife and the bartender in front of other patrons.
Benson was arrested shortly after the incident when his vehicle was seen driving erratically on a highway in Missoula County. During his trial, Benson testified in his own defense, stating that his wife had told him she was going home with the bartender, not him. He expressed remorse at his sentencing, declaring his love for his children and his grief over the loss of his best friend and love of his life.
Jenny Benson was remembered as a loving mother who owned a horse stable and ranch and worked as a self-employed commercial real estate appraiser. She was known for her love for her daughters, Paige and Tailor Benson, and her pets. Gardner, the bartender, was remembered as a friendly individual who could make friends with almost anyone.