CINCINNATI, Ohio – A Northern Kentucky teenager has been sentenced to four years of probation for his involvement in an attempted car theft that resulted in the tragic death of a University of Cincinnati student. Benjamin Addison, 21, lost his life in March while trying to prevent two individuals from stealing his car on Highland Avenue in Mount Auburn. The devastating loss has left his family grappling with an unbearable pain that seems unending.
During a courtroom address, the heartbroken parents of Benjamin Addison expressed their anguish over the senseless incident. Joe Addison emphasized that his son’s life was cut short due to the actions of the teenagers involved in the attempted theft. The 17-year-old teenager involved in the crime pleaded guilty to attempted grand theft after breaking into a car in March. Another teenager, Justin Dugan, stands accused of fatally shooting Benjamin Addison when the UC student caught them in the act.
Joe Addison revealed that his son was distracted by one of the teenagers during the theft, allowing the other to shoot him at close range. The sentencing judge, Kari Bloom, delivered the maximum punishment available, placing the teenager on probation until the age of 21 and prohibiting him from entering Ohio. Despite the decision, Benjamin Addison’s parents acknowledge that it does not bring their son back, but they find solace in seeing accountability for the guilty party.
Looking ahead, Benjamin Addison’s parents are preparing for the impending murder trial to seek justice for their son’s untimely death. While the pain of their loss remains immeasurable, there is a glimmer of hope as they believe Benjamin is now in a better place. Yeshi Leggesse, Benjamin’s mother, finds strength in the idea that her son is at peace, even as the legal proceedings continue. The family continues to seek closure and justice as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.