The Monroe community is preparing to bid farewell to 42-year-old Bennie Ray Ford Jr., who was tragically killed in a stabbing incident last week. Ford’s body was discovered at Family Stop Foods on Orange Street on May 16, according to the Monroe Police Department, which has officially ruled the case a homicide.
Authorities have arrested Johnny Lamar Russell, of 71 Roy Drive in connection with the killing. Russell was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center on Monday, May 19, facing charges of second-degree murder. Court records indicate Russell has a previous arrest record from 2023 that includes charges of disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, battery of a police officer, misdemeanor sexual battery, and battery of emergency room personnel.
Ford, born February 5, 1983, is survived by his wife Vicky Renea Ford, his mother Sheila Lorraine Handy Ford, grandmother Martha Handy, and several children including twins Za’Myia and Za’Kylia Humphrey of Texas, and Braylee and Bessie Johnson of Monroe. He also leaves behind five stepchildren, a goddaughter, siblings, and extended family members.
He was 42 years old.
The Monroe Police Department has confirmed that despite rumors circulating on social media, only one victim was found during their investigation.
Visitation services for Ford will be held this Friday, May 23, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McFarland Funeral Companies located at 1901 Burg Jones Lane.
