MT. VERNON, IL — The Mount Vernon community is mourning the loss of 57-year-old Patrick Williamson, a car salesman at Monken Toyota, who was found dead on Monday following an armed robbery. Three people are facing charges in connection with the murder of Williamson.

Mt. Vernon Police say 60-year-old Laura Lee Beneway of Bonnie is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder involving a forcible felony (robbery), one count of concealing a homicidal death, and one count of obstructing justice.

Sixty-seven-year-old Eddie G. Bennett of Mt. Vernon is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder forcible felony (robbery) and one count of First-degree Murder (act of probability of death).

Sixty-six-year-old Peter M. Harris of Mt. Vernon is charged with two counts of First-degree Murder involving a forcible felony (robbery), one count of First-degree Murder (act of probability of death) and obstructing justice.

Just after 5 a.m. Monday, police along with Mt. Vernon Fire and Litton’s Ambulance responded to the 600 block of South 15th Street for a report of a deceased man. Police determined that Williamson, who showed visible signs of injury, was murdered. Police detectives and the Jefferson County Coroner were called in to investigate the incident as a homicide. The investigation linked Beneway, Bennett, and Harris to the homicide. As the investigation progressed two individuals were taken into custody and the location of a possible third suspect was identified.

In response to this development, the Mt. Vernon Police Department/Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office High Risk Team was deployed to take the third suspect into custody and secure the home for evidence. At 8:15 Monday night, the High-Risk Team served the search warrant in the 500 Block of South 17th Street. The third suspect was located and safely taken into custody. The Mt. Vernon Police Department conferred with the Jefferson County State’s Attorney throughout the investigation and arrested the three individuals we mentioned earlier and charged them in connection with this homicide.

Patrick Heyward “Pat” Williamson passed away on March 24th, 2025 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was born at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Mt. Vernon on May 24th, 1967.

Patrick was employed at Monken Toyota and didn’t know a stranger.

Patrick’s life was marked by his generous spirit through donating his time and talents to others. He loved to share his prize-winning pork steaks, quiche, or chocolate chip cookies with all. Pat had a passion for connecting with people, especially if the topic involved history, or how things were made. Many will remember him for his unwavering commitment to come alongside those in their recovery journeys. Patrick always had a smile on his face and often brought joy to those around him with his loving heart.

Funeral services will be located at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, IL. on Sunday March, 30th. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM, followed by a service at 2:30 PM.

Patrick shared his life with his mother, Lee Williamson Lipps; son, Jonathan P. Williamson; daughter, Hope E. Williamson; sister, Laura Schaubert and husband, Terry; sister, Meg Hattendorf and husband, Don; nieces, Mary Hayes, Annie Terry, and Katie Dillard; nephews, David Bunting and Jack Bunting; and his great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Patrick Williamson.

Memorials may be made to the Oxford House in Granite City, IL and will be accepted at Hughey Funeral Home.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.