DNA review leads to arrest in Harry Bennett's 2017 killing
Charleston police charged Henry James Brisbane on October 20 after reexamining evidence in the Johns Island homicide investigation.
Henry James Brisbane · FILE PHOTO- Development
- 20 October 2026
- Coverage
- Cold-case development
- Current status
- Investigation updated
- Source record
- 3 verified sources
Charges filed after cold-case review
Charleston police arrested Henry James Brisbane, 69, on October 20 in the killing of Harry Bennett, who was found dead in his Johns Island apartment in 2017. Brisbane was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, the department announced. Police said new DNA analysis connected him to the crime scene. The charges are allegations, and Brisbane is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. [1] [2]
Evidence reexamined
Bennett was found fatally stabbed on August 20, 2017. Detectives interviewed Brisbane during the original investigation, along with several other people. According to the police announcement, detectives reviewed the case again in 2026 with the department's Forensic Services Division and DNA technical leader. They identified additional evidence suitable for analysis, and the resulting tests led to the arrest. South Carolina Public Radio reported that investigators were still seeking information from the public after Brisbane was charged. [1] [2]
Police and family describe the investigation
In an October 23 report, WCSC Live 5 News said a neighbor discovered Bennett inside his Johns Island Rural Housing apartment. Police spokesman Daniel Wilson told the station that Brisbane was an associate of Bennett and that the evidence available in 2017 had not been sufficient to pursue him further. Wilson said the department's own DNA laboratory had since expanded its testing capacity. Bennett's son Omar Burch told WCSC that the family had waited years for an arrest and continued to grieve his death. The station reported that Brisbane waived his bond hearing that week. [3]
Sources & further reading
- Cold Case Solved: DNA evidence links Charleston man to 2017 murder ↗Charleston Police Department · 2026-10-20 · Primary source
- Charleston police make arrest in 2017 cold case ↗South Carolina Public Radio · 2026-10-20
- Johns Island murder solved 9 years later, family says they've been waiting for justice to be served ↗WCSC Live 5 News · 2026-10-23
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