Native American coalition condemn Honie's actions, remember victim: 'Never again'

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A Native American coalition in Utah, Restoring Ancestral Winds, sent a press release the day before Taberon Honie's scheduled execution, condemning the murder her performed and remembering his victim.

Honie killed and sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend's mother, Claudia Benn, in 1998. Benn was a member of the Paiute tribe.

Honie was scheduled to be executed early morning on Aug. 8, 2024.

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Yolanda Francisco, the executive director of the coalition, said, “Today we honor the life of Claudia Benn, a member of the Paiute tribe, and bring the issue of the missing and murdered Indigenous relatives in Utah. Domestic violence and sexual assault are often a precursor to murder. Claudia should still be here to enjoy a life filled with joy and safety. She deserved to live in peace like all Utah citizens.”

Restoring Ancestral Winds, Inc. is a domestic violence and sexual assault tribal coalition. They said "Never again" to more domestic violence and sexual assault in the Native American community.

"While Honie is scheduled for execution, the impact of his actions will continue to resonate deeply with those who knew and loved Claudia. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and a beacon of strength and resilience in her community. Claudia’s precious grandchildren who witnessed the attack, still feel her loss. The emotional and psychological scars borne by her grandchildren are a painful reminder of the ongoing consequences of this tragic event," officials with the coalition wrote.

Officials highlighted devastating domestic violence and sexual assault statistics among Native Americans, including:

• Native Americans experience the highest rate of child victimization at 15.2 per 1,000 children affected.
• Native American children are seven times more likely to experience sexual and physical abuse and/or neglect.
• Native American children are twice as likely as white children to witness domestic violence.

The coalition recently made a 24/7 helpline for Native Americans experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault in Utah.

The free resource is accessed through calling 1-833-NTV-HEAL (1-833-688-4325).

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