benjamin bearrick

Missing since: January 25, 2009

White male

Hair: Brown, graying

Eyes: Hazel

Height: 6’1’’

Weight: 185 lbs.

Age (at time of disappearance): 55

Last seen wearing: blue jeans and t-shirt

Tattoo(s): several tattoos on right hand, left forearm and face

case details:

Bearrick was last seen on January 25th, 2009 in Bovina, Mississippi. He lived in the 5100 block of Warriors Trail in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Two days before he disappeared, Bearrick transported his tenant, Shawn Paul Sponholz, to the hospital. He was stabbed multiple times in the neck and died at the hospital as a result of his injuries. His death was ruled as a homicide. 

Bearrick was held overnight for questioning and was released. He stated he had found Sponholz in his home stabbed and took him to the emergency room. Authorities went back to Bearrick’s home on January 26th to speak to him and he was gone. An extensive search yielded no sign of Bearrick.

Authorities have identified a suspect in Sponholz’s murder but haven’t named them publicly. They do believe that this person is responsible for Sponholz’s murder and Bearrick’s disappearance. Both the murder and disappearance remain unsolved at this time.

Investigating Agency Information:

Warren County Sheriff’s Department

(601)636-1761

NamUs ID#: MP29618


Additional Resources:

The Vicksburg Post (February 16, 2009)

The Charley Project