Father Remembers Children Murdered at Sleepover with Heartfelt Ritual

Jason Bennett faces his fifth Christmas without his children, Lacey and John-Paul, who were tragically murdered during a sleepover on September 18, 2021. Their deaths, which occurred at a home in Killamarsh, shocked the community and left an indelible mark on Jason’s life. The perpetrator, Damien Bendall, was sentenced to a whole-life tariff for brutally killing Lacey, aged 11, John-Paul, aged 13, and their friend Connie Gent, also aged 11.

Every year, Jason descends the stairs of his home without the joyful noise of children or the excitement of gift-giving. Instead, he approaches his mantelpiece where a photograph of his children now rests. In a deeply personal ritual, he kisses their image with the same tenderness he once reserved for them. This act has become a daily reminder of his love and loss, serving as a poignant tribute to his children taken too soon.

On that harrowing night in September 2021, Bendall not only committed murder but inflicted further trauma by sexually assaulting Lacey as she lay dying. The aftermath left Jason grappling with unimaginable grief. He recalls his last phone call with Lacey, filled with joy as she and Connie showcased their charitable efforts. “Lacey showed me that she and Connie had set up a stall, selling sweets to raise money for charity,” Jason reflected, highlighting the innocence and ambition of his children.

The following morning brought devastating news as Jason learned of the tragedy through social media. A photo of his partner Terri’s house, now covered by a white tent, marked the beginning of his nightmare. As he received the call from the police confirming the deaths of his family, Jason described collapsing to his knees, overwhelmed with sorrow.

Christmas has forever changed for Jason. The joyous occasion that once meant laughter and family gatherings now serves as a painful reminder of his loss. “The first Christmas without them… meant nothing to me,” he admitted. “I just wanted to die.” Cooking festive meals and sharing gifts had always been a cherished part of the holiday, but those traditions have been replaced by heartache and silence.

Despite the profound sorrow, Jason has worked to honor the memory of his children. After enduring two years of isolation and despair, he found strength from friends and family, slowly rebuilding his life. “I have promised myself that each week, I will do a bit more,” he explained. His rituals, including laying flowers at their graves during the holiday season, help keep their spirit alive.

Jason describes Lacey as kind and polite, reminiscent of himself in many ways, while John-Paul had a playful side, often showing a loving and sensitive nature beneath his fiery exterior. Their laughter and the joy of family life remain vivid memories that Jason treasures.

In a bid to give back, Jason has dedicated himself to fundraising for the Youth Cancer Trust in Dorset, the same organization his children had supported before their lives were tragically cut short. He has successfully raised over £78,000 through charity football matches, with the latest held at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground earlier this year.

As Christmas approaches, Jason holds onto the hope that one day the holiday may feel festive again. For now, he continues to reflect on the joy of past celebrations, cherishing the time he had with Lacey and John-Paul. “I was – and still am – truly the luckiest father on earth to have had them,” he said, emphasizing the bond that remains unbroken despite the tragedy.

The community continues to remember the lives lost that fateful night, and as Jason navigates his grief, he remains a testament to the love that continues to endure.