June 02, 2016
Source/Chester County District Attorney's Office
The woman found tied to a cinder block in a swimming hole in East Pikeland, Chester County, has been identified as Ryan Stevyn Benjamin, 24, of Pottstown.
The body of a woman found tied to a cinder block at the bottom of an East Coventry pond has been identified as a 24-year-old pre-kindergarten teacher, the Chester County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday afternoon.
A local resident found Ryan Stevyn Benjamin dead in a swimming hole that is part of Pigeon Creek in East Coventry Township on Memorial Day and reported the discovery to authorities. Officials removed the body from the water and detached Benjamin from the cinder block, revealing several clues about the circumstances of her death.
There were no signs of strangulation, gunshot wounds, blunt force trauma, or water in her lungs — all indications that she did not drown. Prosecutors say she must have been dead prior to being thrown into the pond. Investigators also learned from nearby residents that children had been swimming in the pond on Sunday afternoon.
Benjamin, of Pottstown, was identified using tattoos, jewelry and physical features. Formal confirmation is pending a review of DNA and dental records by the Chester County Coroner's Office.
"This is a very active investigation," Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said. "The victim was an outgoing and sociable young woman, with many friends in the West Chester area. Anybody who had contact with her over the Memorial Day weekend should contact the police immediately."
The 24-year-old was a graduate of Juniata College with a degree in elementary and early childhood education. She was certified as a teacher and had been employed as a pre-K teacher.
"The person who dumped Ryan's body in the water knows what they did and knows that the police are closing in," Hogan said. "Every moment that this person stays on the run makes it look worse. This individual should come in to authorities now."
The case is being investigated by Chester County Detectives and the East Coventry Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chester County Detective Sgt. Tom Goggin at 610-344-6866.
