Man Charged in Connection with Charlotte Woman’s Murder

Since taken into custody with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and the U.S. Marshals Service had been expected to press charges against Matthew Benner with first degree murder and arson according to WBTV.

Investigators say a 27-year-old woman was pronounced dead after she was found inside a Charlotte apartment where a fire had been set.

Police have not yet explained whether the two knew each other, but say Strous was at her apartment alone this weekend while her roommate was away in Pennsylvania. Deputies located Benner’s auto parked at a Best Western and discovered that he had gone into the motel asking to use the bathroom. Based on evidence, authorities identified Benner as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest after immediately requesting assistance from the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT).

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating the death of a 27-year-old woman who was pulled from a Steele Creek apartment fire as a homicide.

He lived in same apartment complex as Strous in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte. She was taken to the hospital where she died. She played field hockey at both schools.

A vigil is planned for 8:45 p.m. Monday night at the home of her parents, Eric and Crystal Strous, 2715 Heather Drive, York.

Strous was a field hockey player at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania from 2007-2010, the university said on its website. She moved to Charlotte in February after her fiancé was transferred there, her mother, Crystal Strous of York, told theCharlotte Observer.

‘The college is deeply saddened by Amanda’s death.

She was also a coach for several years. Her family has been notified of her death.

Strous worked as a college counselor and was engaged to be married.

Shippensburg’s head coach, Bertie Landes, said in the memorial article that she still hears Strous’ voice and laughter.