DETROIT, MI – A Detroit man accused of kidnapping and murdering a teen from Kentwood, MI, has died while awaiting trial. Gerald Bennett, 63, passed away on Monday, Nov. 13, from medical complications, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported. He had been admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 7, for cancer treatment, and his health quickly deteriorated, leading to life support.

Bennett was facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, kidnapping of a minor victim, and solicitation to commit a crime of violence. These charges could have resulted in a life sentence if he had been found guilty.

The case stemmed from the 2017 accusations made by Mujey Dumbuya, who accused Quinn James of sexually assaulting her when she was 15. It was asserted that James hired Bennett to help him kidnap and murder Dumbuya after learning of the complaint. The two men abducted Dumbuya from a bus stop on Jan. 24, 2018, and her body was discovered in a wooded area days later. James was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole for Dumbuya’s death, but Bennett had claimed incompetence and had his state court case dismissed.

In June 2022, Bennett was arrested on a federal criminal complaint for his involvement in Dumbuya’s kidnapping and murder. Following a competency evaluation, where it was determined that Bennett was faking incompetency, he faced additional charges related to soliciting another murder for hire and attempting to silence a key witness. Jury selection for Bennett’s trial was scheduled for Feb. 26, 2024.

Bennett’s death marks the end of one chapter in a tragic and deeply troubling case that has scarred the community. Mujey Dumbuya’s family and loved ones can find some closure in knowing that the legal process against those responsible for her untimely death will not continue.