In 1837 William Bennett murdered Dr. Joel Echols at Berger's Store in Staunton. He was convicted and sentenced to be hanged. The Virginia Supreme Court rejected his appeal in December, 1837. Does anyone know who this William Bennett is? Was the sentence carried out shortly thereafter? I am beginning to suspect he was the brother of Major John Bennett and the son of Rice Bennett and Sarah, but I don't have any proof. I would appreciate any information on this subject. Don Bennett