Police probe murder of Benn Schinkel at Capricornia Correctional Centre

The parents and sister of a young Queensland man killed in prison just months before he was due to be released have made an emotional plea for information to solve the murder. WATCH THE VIDEO

Detectives from the Correctional Services Investigation Unit are appealing for public assistance as they probe the murder of an inmate at Capricornia Correctional Centre.

On October 22, 2022 Benn Schinkel was found unresponsive with serious injuries inside the prison’s activities building.

Mr Schinkel had been housed in the mainstream prison secure unit 1 for less than a month, after being sentenced in September 2022 in relation to a dangerous driving incident at Bajool in December 2021.

He sustained ongoing injuries from the incident, causing him to walk with a limp. No other persons were injured in the incident for which he was charged.

Mr Schinkel was eligible for parole just a few months later in January 2023.

After being found with serious injuries he was taken to Rockhampton Hospital where he later passed away on October 23, 2022.

Benn Schinkel died as a result of injuries he sustained in a serious assault at Capricornia Correctional Centre, he was found unresponsive in the prison’s activities building.

Investigations indicate Mr Schinkel’s injuries were sustained as the result of a serious assault.

CSIU detectives with assistance from the Homicide Investigation Unit established Operation Uniform Carlow to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, which is being treated as a homicide.

Detectives have released pictures of Benn and a message from Benn’s mother, father and sister as they appeal for anyone with information which could assist the investigation into his murder to come forward.

Benn’s father, Michael Schinkel, said Benn was loving, caring and would do anything for his mates and family, and was missed by so many people.

“We really are appealing to anybody out there if they could come forward to help us solve Benn’s murder, it’s broken our family, and we need to have justice,” he said.

“So please if anybody out there has information that could help us, please come forward.”

Ben’s mother Lesley and sister Gemma also described the heartache, saying ‘part of you is missing’. “It just happened so quickly.’’ “Not having answers you don’t have any closure.’’

Benn with his sister Gemma, mum Lesley and dad Michael.

Detectives have reviewed evidence and interviewed a number of people across the state and those people, due to changes in circumstances, may now be prepared to provide further information.

It is believed there are people who could assist the investigation, who are residing in the Townsville and Rockhampton areas.

Detective Sergeant Greg Bishop from CSIU said investigators were hopeful someone would come forward with the information they need to provide Benn’s family with answers. SEE THE VIDEO ABOVE

“Everyone in custody has the right to do their time, to go home to their families and move on with their lives,” he said.

“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem and whether you witnessed the incident directly or have heard something from another person, to please come forward.

“Reports to Crimestoppers can be treated in confidence and if anyone with information is prepared to talk directly to detectives this can be arranged on terms that each person is most comfortable with.

“If you know something, we urge you to come forward and help us bring closure for Benn’s family.”

Investigations are ongoing.

Originally published as Police probe murder of Benn Schinkel at Capricornia Correctional Centre