American serial killer who killed Arizona woman in 1987 linked to other crimes

Bryan Scott Bennett, of Kentucky, was identified as the killer of Cathy Sposito, 23, whose body was found on Thumb Butte Trail in Prescott on June 13, 1987

By Edward Era Barbacena 

Authorities say they have identified the suspect who killed an Arizona woman 36 years ago on a Prescott hiking trail.

Cathy Sposito, 23, was found dead on Thumb Butte Trail in Prescott on June 13, 1987. At around 7:00 a.m. that day, Sposito rode her mountain bike to the trailhead and began hiking up the path before she was killed.

Other hikers, according to investigators, heard Sposito's screams for help, but no one could reach her in time.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office held a news conference on Aug. 25, announcing that Bryan Scott Bennett committed the murder.

"His DNA was obtained as an unknown male DNA on victim number two," said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes.

According to Sheriff Rhodes, the DNA was submitted to labs, and a female descendant was identified following a family tree analysis.

Bennett, according to officials, served time in an Arizona prisobn for forgery, and became a fugitive in 1993. 

Bennett, authorities say, died by suicide in 1994. Sheriff Rhodes said a solid DNA sample was obtained after Bennett's body was exhumed. The DNA was matched to Sposito and another victim.

Officials also said Bennett is linked to multiple sexual assaults in Prescott.

"Cathy Sposito, I am saying today with high confidence today, was murdered by Bryan Scott Bennett," said Sheriff David Rhodes.

"And today, she’s free. Cathy you’re free," said Renee Sandoval, who was attacked in 1993 by Bennett. "There’s so many emotions. I can’t tell you. I can’t explain it."