Man, who killed girlfriend while showing here a new gun, convicted of manslaughter

Benson

GOSHEN – An Orange County Court jury on Monday convicted a Cornwall man of manslaughter in connection with the death of his live-in girlfriend.
Prosecutors alleged that on August 16, 2013, Christian Benson, 27, was
showing a newly purchased semi-automatic handgun to the victim, Kristi
Babcock, who was 30 at the time.
Benson had his finger on the trigger of the loaded gun and pointed it at his girlfriend. The weapon fired, killing her.
District Attorney David Hoovler said it was Benson’s “reckless conduct” that cost Babcock her life.
“While I fully support law abiding citizens the right to possess a handgun, the license is not a license to act recklessly as this defendant did in this particular case,” he said.
When sentenced in September, Benson faces up to five to 15 years in state prison.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.