Benton Family Remembers Slain Loved One
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
A Saline County family is mourning the loss of a family patriarch.
Investigators say 62-year old Benton resident D.L Avaritt was shot and killed by a teenager after a morning of vandalism.
Avaritt suffered from several illnesses including diabetes. During the 1990s, he had a kidney transplant, back surgery and open-heart surgery.
The family says they expected Avaritt to pass away, but not from an act of violence.
"I sat by his bedside knowing he was going to die many times," says Meriline Avaritt, the wife of the victim. "But I never thought this was the way it was going to end."
Funeral arrangements are pending. The Saline County Prosecutors office is expected to charge the 15-year old as an adult.
Charges could be handed down as early as Monday, officials said.
