April 2, 2025

Jury Convicts Sylvester Thompson of First-Degree Murder and Robbery

THOMASVILLE – A Davidson County jury has found Sylvester DeJesus Thompson guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the 2019 homicide of Bennie Vines.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Superior Court Judge Alyson Grine sentenced Thompson to life without parole for the first-degree murder conviction. Additionally, he received a sentence of 111-146 months for the robbery with a dangerous weapon charge. These sentences will run consecutively.

The verdict marks the conclusion of a thorough and collaborative investigation led by the Thomasville Police Department, with crucial support from the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office and members of the community.

On November 6, 2019, at approximately 3:23 p.m., officers conducted a welfare check at 513-A Afton Street after a concerned citizen noticed an open door. Inside, officers discovered Bennie Vines, 58, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Detectives launched an extensive investigation, ultimately identifying Thompson as the suspect. He was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop on November 7, 2019.

The Thomasville Police Department extends its gratitude to the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office for their dedication from the night the victim was discovered through the conclusion of the trial. We also appreciate the community members who provided vital information that helped bring justice in this case.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim’s family as they continue to heal.