1967 Killing of 14-Year-Old in Poway Remains a Mystery

Poway in 1967 was a tiny town, without the sprawling strip malls and nearby interstate connecting us to San Diego and Los Angeles. Parents let their children roam free without worrying about the crime associated with big cities.

On May 1 that all changed.

Nikki Benedict, a 14-year-old student at Meadowbrook Middle School, was found in the evening hours on Poway Road near Carriage Road with stab wounds that would claim her life later that day at Palomar Medical Center.

According to a report recently released by the Sheriff’s Department, Benedict was discovered by an 11-year-old boy about an hour after she was stabbed. The investigation into the case revealed no motive or suspects. Her murder was never solved, and detectives continue to investigate the case even though more than 45 years have past since the slaying.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information on the cold case to call the homicide detail at (858) 974-2321. Callers can remain anonymous, as well as tipsters submitting information online.

A post on the sheriff’s Facebook page discusses the cold case and reminds the public that detectives are still seeking information on Benedict’s killing.

Tips may be eligible for a $1,000 reward from Crime Stoppers, call (888) 580-8477.