The New Orleans community is grappling with a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy after the life of 24-year-old Essence was cut short in an act of unimaginable violence. According to police, Essence was fatally shot by her boyfriend, Benjamin Camp, who later confessed to the crime and led authorities to the location of her body—buried in the backyard of their shared home on Marigny Street.
The New Orleans Police Department reported that Camp, 28, called authorities on the morning of the incident and told them he had killed his girlfriend. Officers responded immediately to the residence in the 2300 block of Marigny Street, where they encountered Camp and took him into custody without incident. He reportedly remained at the scene, awaiting their arrival.
What they uncovered next shook even seasoned investigators.
Police were directed to a freshly disturbed area in the backyard, where they discovered Essence’s body—wrapped and hastily buried in a shallow grave. Detectives and crime scene units secured the scene and began the difficult work of collecting evidence and piecing together the tragic timeline of events.
A Life Stolen Too Soon
Essence was remembered by those who knew her as a bright, spirited young woman with a radiant smile and a kind heart. Friends and family say she had dreams of advancing her education and eventually working in a profession that would allow her to help others. She loved music, poetry, and her family deeply. She had recently been exploring new opportunities and trying to create a more stable and fulfilling life for herself.
Loved ones say they never could have imagined that the relationship she was in would end in such devastating violence.
“She was trying to find herself, and she was growing into a beautiful woman,” said one family member. “We never expected this. We never thought he would do something like this.”
The Alleged Killer: Benjamin Camp
Benjamin Camp is now facing second-degree murder charges in connection to Essence’s death. Police have not yet revealed a motive, but sources close to the investigation say there were possible signs of a troubled relationship, though no prior domestic violence reports have been made public as of yet.
Authorities confirmed that Camp confessed to the killing during the 911 call and provided the location of the body, though they are continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses to fully understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
He remains in custody without bond at the Orleans Justice Center.
A Community Demanding Justice
As news of the tragedy spread, heartbreak and anger swept through the neighborhood and beyond. Residents gathered outside the home in quiet solidarity, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten messages at a makeshift memorial near the fence where police marked off the scene.
“We want justice for Essence,” said a neighbor. “No one deserves to die like that. She had her whole life ahead of her.”
Local advocacy groups have also spoken out, calling for increased awareness around domestic violence and more support for young women in vulnerable relationships. “This is a reminder that behind closed doors, many women suffer in silence,” said one advocate. “Essence’s story is painful, but it cannot be ignored.”
Ongoing Investigation
The New Orleans Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the homicide. They have asked anyone with additional information about the case or the couple’s history to come forward.
Essence’s body has been transported to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and time of death. While her physical presence is gone, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her—and in a community shaken by her tragic and senseless loss.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support.
Essence’s life mattered. Her story deserves to be told. And justice must follow.
The New Orleans community is grappling with a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy after the life of 24-year-old Essence was cut short in an act of unimaginable violence. According to police, Essence was fatally shot by her boyfriend, Benjamin Camp, who later confessed to the crime and led authorities to the location of her body—buried in the backyard of their shared home on Marigny Street.
The New Orleans Police Department reported that Camp, 28, called authorities on the morning of the incident and told them he had killed his girlfriend. Officers responded immediately to the residence in the 2300 block of Marigny Street, where they encountered Camp and took him into custody without incident. He reportedly remained at the scene, awaiting their arrival.
What they uncovered next shook even seasoned investigators.
Police were directed to a freshly disturbed area in the backyard, where they discovered Essence’s body—wrapped and hastily buried in a shallow grave. Detectives and crime scene units secured the scene and began the difficult work of collecting evidence and piecing together the tragic timeline of events.
A Life Stolen Too Soon
Essence was remembered by those who knew her as a bright, spirited young woman with a radiant smile and a kind heart. Friends and family say she had dreams of advancing her education and eventually working in a profession that would allow her to help others. She loved music, poetry, and her family deeply. She had recently been exploring new opportunities and trying to create a more stable and fulfilling life for herself.
Loved ones say they never could have imagined that the relationship she was in would end in such devastating violence.
“She was trying to find herself, and she was growing into a beautiful woman,” said one family member. “We never expected this. We never thought he would do something like this.”
The Alleged Killer: Benjamin Camp
Benjamin Camp is now facing second-degree murder charges in connection to Essence’s death. Police have not yet revealed a motive, but sources close to the investigation say there were possible signs of a troubled relationship, though no prior domestic violence reports have been made public as of yet.
Authorities confirmed that Camp confessed to the killing during the 911 call and provided the location of the body, though they are continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses to fully understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
He remains in custody without bond at the Orleans Justice Center.
A Community Demanding Justice
As news of the tragedy spread, heartbreak and anger swept through the neighborhood and beyond. Residents gathered outside the home in quiet solidarity, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten messages at a makeshift memorial near the fence where police marked off the scene.
“We want justice for Essence,” said a neighbor. “No one deserves to die like that. She had her whole life ahead of her.”
Local advocacy groups have also spoken out, calling for increased awareness around domestic violence and more support for young women in vulnerable relationships. “This is a reminder that behind closed doors, many women suffer in silence,” said one advocate. “Essence’s story is painful, but it cannot be ignored.”
Ongoing Investigation
The New Orleans Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the homicide. They have asked anyone with additional information about the case or the couple’s history to come forward.
Essence’s body has been transported to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and time of death. While her physical presence is gone, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her—and in a community shaken by her tragic and senseless loss.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support.
Essence’s life mattered. Her story deserves to be told. And justice must follow.