High-Profile Raleigh Investigator About To Retire

RALEIGH, N.C. — Stephanie Bennett's murder is one of only a handful that Lt. Chris Morgan, of the Raleigh Police Department has not solved. In 29 years, he has worked 150 homicides, of which 133 cases are closed. Now, he is about to retire, but he said he is not ready to quit.

Two years ago, Stephanie Bennett was raped and murdered in her North Raleigh apartment. Morgan was the first investigator on the scene.

"That's something that will never leave my mind," he said.

Nearly four years ago, researcher Eric Miller died of arsenic poisoning. Files on his murder still flood Morgan's office.

"It's been a big part of my life for the last four years," he said.

Despite the two unsolved high-profile cases, Morgan is set to retire. He said he does not have a lot of hobbies like fishing or golf. He said a lot of what he plans on doing during retirement is what he is doing right now.

"I certainly wouldn't be able to turn around and just walk away," he said.

The 51-year-old wants to bring justice to their victims' families. He still plans on being involved in the investigations, even in an unofficial capacity.

"Without having so many administrative things to do, I'll keep looking for answers," he said.

Morgan officially retires on June 1.

Two other high-profile cases continue to remain unsolved. Almost 10 years ago, police found 17-year-old Beth Ellen Vinson's body in a shallow ditch. She had been stabbed several times. Another case involves 91-year-old Beulah Dickerson. Police say someone beat her to death with a tire iron inside her home on Pineland Drive in 2001.