When Patricia Bennett’s grandson, John, called the police to report his grandmother missing, he thought it would be a routine welfare check. What unfolded over the next several days would become one of the most disturbing cases Roseville detectives had ever encountered—a story of deception, family conflict, and a horrifying discovery that would shake the community to its core.

A Missing Person’s Report Turns Dark

Patricia Bennett, 69, lived with her daughter Carol Ray and her 3-year-old granddaughter Allison in a quiet Roseville neighborhood. For years, family tensions simmered, mostly over money. John, Patricia’s grandson, admitted to borrowing from his grandmother, and Carol described Patricia as “finicky” and independent. But when Patricia stopped answering calls and texts, John grew worried. He hadn’t heard her voice since Thanksgiving.

When police first visited the home, Carol claimed Patricia was simply avoiding John due to a financial dispute. She insisted Patricia was staying with her sister, recovering from pneumonia, and getting medical treatments. Officers checked Patricia’s room—her clothes were there, fresh laundry hung in the closet, and the house appeared lived-in. Still, something felt off.

Conflicting Stories and Rising Suspicion

The next day, officers returned. Carol repeated her story: Patricia was at a doctor’s appointment, perhaps getting a B12 shot. But when police called the medical office, Patricia wasn’t on the schedule. Her next appointment wasn’t until February. The confusion deepened.

John’s concern grew. He told police he’d received texts from his grandmother’s phone, but the language didn’t sound like her. He visited Patricia’s sister, only to learn she hadn’t seen Patricia in five years—contradicting Carol’s claims.

Detectives began to suspect Carol was hiding something. Her explanations became increasingly convoluted. She couldn’t provide her sister’s phone number, and her demeanor shifted from defensive to evasive when pressed for details.

A Search for Answers

With no physical evidence of foul play, police were limited in their ability to search the property. But Carol’s boyfriend, Ricky, also lived in the house and agreed to let officers search areas of mutual access. They combed the backyard, checked vehicles, and finally entered the garage.

That’s when they found it—a large plastic storage bin, sealed and reeking of decay. Inside were blood-soaked towels and, shockingly, Patricia’s body. The remains were not fully decomposed, indicating the death had occurred within the past two months.

Carol was arrested immediately. Ricky, who had been living in the house, was detained for questioning.

Inside the Interrogation Room

Detectives faced Carol with mounting evidence. They asked her to recount the night Patricia died. Carol claimed it was an accident—a loud crash woke her, she grabbed a gun, and in the confusion, it discharged, striking her mother. But her story was inconsistent, and forensic evidence didn’t match her account.

Detectives questioned how Carol could have moved Patricia’s body alone. They pressed her about Ricky’s involvement, but Carol claimed he wasn’t present. She insisted she acted alone, though her answers grew vague under pressure.

Forensic analysis revealed fresh knife wounds on Patricia’s body—details Carol failed to mention. Detectives confronted her with this evidence, but she refused to change her story.

Ricky’s Interview: Calm Amid Chaos

Ricky’s interrogation was markedly different. He appeared calm and cooperative, answering questions openly. He admitted Carol had lied to him about Patricia’s whereabouts, claiming she was at her sister’s house. Ricky described Carol as “the world’s greatest actress,” noting her history of bipolar disorder and compulsive behavior.

Detectives pressed Ricky about his knowledge of the garage and the storage bin. He claimed he rarely entered the garage and hadn’t seen Patricia in over a month. His demeanor and answers suggested he was not involved in the crime.

After a thorough investigation, police concluded Ricky had no knowledge of the murder and released him without charges.

The Motive: Money and Family Turmoil

While Carol never confessed, the evidence pointed to a calculated cover-up. Police found financial records indicating Carol had accessed Patricia’s accounts after her death. Family members described Carol as manipulative, often lying and fabricating stories, especially when off her medication.

John, who initiated the missing person’s report, expressed relief that the truth had finally emerged, despite the tragic outcome. “I’d rather have a pissed-off Grandma than a missing one or a dead one,” he told detectives.

Justice for Patricia

Carol Ray was charged with first-degree murder, felony use of a firearm, and grand larceny for stealing over $20,000 from her mother’s estate. She faces life in prison. The case serves as a grim reminder of how family disputes and untreated mental illness can escalate into tragedy.

Patricia Bennett’s death left a scar on her family and community. Neighbors described her as a kind, generous woman who loved her grandchildren. In the aftermath, the family has struggled to process the loss and the shocking betrayal at its center.

A Community Responds

Roseville police credited John’s persistence and the cooperation of family members for solving the case. The department urged residents to check on vulnerable loved ones and report suspicious behavior, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.

The case also highlighted the challenges police face when investigating missing persons—especially when suspects attempt to mislead authorities. Roseville detectives worked methodically, piecing together timelines, verifying alibis, and relying on forensic evidence to build their case.