Bentley-Russell Sentenced to 28 Years for Manslaughter

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Cordell Bentley-Russell pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and was sentenced by the Honorable Anthony Salem to 28 years in prison. Bentley-Russell pleaded guilty to the crime during a June 14, 2023, hearing; he was sentenced July 20, 2023.

On the afternoon of Jan. 21, 2023, members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a Salisbury Road business regarding a battery with injuries. When they arrived, the victim of the battery was nonresponsive. The victim later died from his injuries. A witness said Bentley-Russell and the victim both worked as cooks in the kitchen. The witness told police that Bentley-Russell was already mad that day when the victim made a comment about where Bentley-Russell should be placing the food.  The comment angered him. Bentley-Russell punched the victim in the head and then got on top of the victim and continued to beat him while the victim was unconscious before another staff member could intervene. Video surveillance confirmed the witness’s account. The victim’s head hit the cooktop before the victim slumped to the ground and Bentley-Russell delivered approximately four additional punches to his head. Bentley-Russell then left the kitchen and drove away from the business.

The case was investigated by the State Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Leah Owens.