Ten years on and relatives of man allegedly murdered by Mark Benschop yet to receive justice

Joel Fraser

Almost ten years has passed since popular local actor Joel Fraser was found dead with his throat slit at the Liliendaal seawall and relatives are still to get justice. Fraser was discovered on November 25th in 2009  and his relatives are adamant that Mark Benschop had something to do with his death. Speaking to members of the media in 2010 an aunt related that he had complained of receiving several threats on his life from Benschop. When asked if he had contacted law enforcement authorities she replied in the negative.

At the time the 39 year old resident of  Lot 27 Laing Avenue, was wearing only his underpants and a t-shirt. Valuables, which he had had in his possession, including a laptop computer and production material for the premiere of the Mori J’von Comedy Jam, were missing.

The killing, sent shock waves through the theatrical community that he had been a member of for many years and came hours before what would've been his last production was set to open at the National Cultural Centre.

It was also reported then that Fraser was having a relationship with Benschop's ex-wife up until his death. Mrs. Benschop told reporters that Fraser was her Production Manager and they were in the height of preparing for a performance in Berbice some time in December of that year.

According to Benschop, Fraser left rehearsals for the ‘Nothing to laugh about’ show to attend rehearsals for another comedy show in which he was scheduled to perform at the National Cultural Centre. “He called me at about 12:15 (after midnight) and said that he was at the market, making arrangements to have the banner for the show taken up for display in Berbice. I called him back about an hour later but while talking to him my phone ran out of credit,” Benschop said.

However, Fraser's aunt said that Benschop fled to country immediately after Fraser's body was discovered and this along with the threats confirmed her suspicions. The police were also looking for Benschop's handyman whose only known name was 'Buck'. He was never located. A law enforcement source said there were reports that the individual was spirited out of the country after being paid a hefty sum.