• About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

The Dagger - Local News with an Edge

  • Local
  • Politics
  • Schools
  • Sirens
  • Health/Food
  • A&E
  • Sports
You are here: Home / Sirens / UPDATED: Son of Harford County Council President Boniface Killed in Early Monday Morning Farm Accident

UPDATED: Son of Harford County Council President Boniface Killed in Early Monday Morning Farm Accident

June 18, 2012 By Aaron Cahall 52 Comments

The son of Harford County Council President Billy Boniface was killed while driving a family pick-up truck at their Darlington farm early Monday morning, police said.

Benjamin Boniface, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, reported at approximately 4:50 a.m. on a private road on the Boniface’s Bonita farm, according to Harford County Sheriff’s Office Monica Worrell. The farm is located on the 3700 block of Harmony Church Road in Darlington.

Worrell said Boniface was operating the vehicle when it failed to negotiate a curve and crashed through several fence posts, causing pieces of the fence to penetrate the windshield and fatally injure him.

According to a police report, a nightwatchman guarding the property told police that he heard Boniface’s vehicle drive onto the property at approximately 1:30 a.m.

The same nightwatchman came upon Boniface behind the wheel of a 1994 Ford pick-up truck at approximately 4:15 a.m., according to the report, and reached Billy Boniface at the family’s home. Boniface arrived on the scene and began performing CPR while the nightwatchman called police, Worrell said.

Worrell said police believe the vehicle he was driving when he was heard entering the property in the early morning hours was the same vehicle he was later found in. However, it was not clear whether had reached home before the accident and ventured out later in a different truck. She said the accident occured between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., but that she was unsure if the agency would “ever be able to be determine the exact time of the crash without witnesses.”

Council Vice-President Richard Slutzky said he spoke with Boniface briefly Monday morning. He said Boniface will not be at the council’s legislative session planned for Tuesday, but that the business of the council would proceed as scheduled.

“The thoughts and prayers of the council are with the Boniface family,” Slutzky said.

Out of respect for the Boniface family, the Darlington-Dublin Community Council is canceling its Wednesday night meeting, which county executive David Craig was scheduled to attend.

Check back with The Dagger for more on this breaking story.

Benjamin Boniface

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

About Aaron Cahall

Associate Editor
aaron@daggerpress.com

Comments

  1. a says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:33 am

    Prayers for the family!

    Log in to Reply
  2. NeverCease2BeAmazed says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:39 am

    Thoughts and prayers to the Boniface family.

    Log in to Reply
  3. 'Nancy S Turner says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:39 am

    OMG I am so sorry for the family. The Boniface’s have done wonderful things in Harford County. With a Daughter this young man’s age, I am truly saddened by this. Prayers to the whole family.

    Log in to Reply
  4. Dave Yensan says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:41 am

    I have no idea how I would react to a tragedy of this nature. My thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and his family.

    Log in to Reply
  5. Yates says

    June 18, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Nice young man from a good, hard-working family. He’d give you the shirt off his back. Very sad.

    Log in to Reply
  6. The Money Tree says

    June 18, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Such a tragedy for a family that’s done nothing but good for the county for decades. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Boniface family.

    Log in to Reply
  7. Dolores Wright says

    June 18, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    Praying that God will give you comfort at this tragic loss of your son
    We will be keeping your whole family in our prayers
    the Wright Family

    Log in to Reply
  8. Andrea M. Bielecki says

    June 18, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    We love you all,and we are here for you.
    With sincere sympathy,
    John, Deda, Sara & Evan Bielecki

    Log in to Reply
  9. Scott Krieger says

    June 18, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    My deepest sympathies to the fine family Benjamin leaves behind.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Joe Steffen says

    June 18, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Such a sad, tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Boniface family.

    Log in to Reply
  11. Ed Kabernagel says

    June 18, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Very very sorry to hear this. Our prayers are with the Boniface family.

    Log in to Reply
  12. Lou Creighton says

    June 18, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Words – what words will ease the pain and grief your Family is experiencing? There are none. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Boniface Family.

    Log in to Reply
  13. Lawrence Depkin says

    June 18, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    Without doubt this is a parent’s and family’s worst fear. Our thoughts and prayers for Benjamin and to the Boniface family. Laurel Glen Stables, Fallston, Md. & Long Meadow Farm, Felton, Pa.

    Log in to Reply
  14. Deda says

    June 18, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    B & B,

    Just wanted you to know that you raised three great kids !!!!! You will witness how great in the next few days.
    This really sucks !!
    Be strong my friends, love to all,

    Deda

    Log in to Reply
  15. AnneMarie Vomero-Battis says

    June 18, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Our deepest sympathy goes to the Boniface family.

    Log in to Reply
  16. Carlos Smith says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    LORD, I pray for Mr. Boniface,his family and friends. I pray that Mr. Boniface and his family be blessed with an over abundance amount of God’s love, peace, stength and courage as they walk thru this most difficult time. May those who knew Benjamin be inspired to live their lives with meaning and purpose for the sake of being a positive difference maker in the lives of others.

    Amen.

    Log in to Reply
  17. Brenda Miller Davenport says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    Billy, My sister and I babysat you and your brothers and sisters for years when you were little on the old Family Farm on Rt.543 many years ago. We were shocked as everyone was to hear about Benjamin. Our hearts go out to you and your family. It is hard to understand why things happen but I hope that your faith in our Lord will be able to pull you through this very difficult time. Your family and friends will be surrounded in our love and prayers.

    Log in to Reply
  18. David Mullins says

    June 18, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    Log in to Reply
  19. jeff says

    June 18, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you and keep you.

    Log in to Reply
  20. Regulardude123 says

    June 18, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    My condolences to the Boniface Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Log in to Reply
  21. Lisa Cornett says

    June 18, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    This is such a terrible tragedy, my thoughts, and prayers go out to the Boniface Family. my kids went to elementry school with his brother Jack, and they are really sadden by this tragedy. They are a well known family in Datlington. Praying that the Lord gets you all through this tough time..

    Log in to Reply
  22. Original Observer says

    June 19, 2012 at 2:28 am

    As my brother-in-law said to me when his son died over a decade ago, you’re not supposed to bury your children. I’ve never lost a child (losing my nephew is as close as I’ve come, which is too close for me, thank you), so I can’t even begin to think of what the Boniface family is going through at this moment. My prayers go out to them, especially to those grandparents that I know personally.

    Log in to Reply
  23. message says

    June 19, 2012 at 3:55 am

    Dont Drink and drive people!

    Log in to Reply
    • Kharn says

      June 19, 2012 at 5:30 am

      Stay classy…

      Log in to Reply
    • North County Mama says

      June 19, 2012 at 8:58 am

      That is a cheap, assuming remark. No evidence of alcohol involved.
      How dare you insinuate such a thing to add to the grief of this family!

      Log in to Reply
      • John says

        June 19, 2012 at 4:17 pm

        You made that assumption. It just looked to me like a friendly reminder. How dare you read into it like that. Guilty conscience I guess.

        Log in to Reply
  24. snsd says

    June 19, 2012 at 8:29 am

    ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

    Log in to Reply
  25. North County Mama says

    June 19, 2012 at 8:52 am

    My family is so saddened to hear this news. The Bonifaces are a wonderful family. Ben was a very hard-working, kind, considerate young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and in the days and months to come. Praying for God’s grace and strength in this horrible tragedy.

    Log in to Reply
  26. Mom first says

    June 19, 2012 at 9:31 am

    So very sad and tragic, there are no words to offer. Praying his family and friends can get through this and soon find some comforts in their memories. I am so very sorry for their loss.

    Log in to Reply
  27. Clint Deriemaeker says

    June 19, 2012 at 9:34 am

    No man wants to outlive his son, so sorry to hear about this. God bless.

    Log in to Reply
  28. paul phass says

    June 19, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    Our prayers go out to the entire Boniface family.
    May the lord get you through this tragic moment.

    Log in to Reply
  29. Wayne Norman says

    June 19, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    Words alone can not express the anguish parents endure at the passing of their child. No family should have that experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss.

    Log in to Reply
  30. Truth says

    June 19, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    This is a sad story for the Boniface family, but let’s not forget that if this child was of a different race, or from the southern part of our county, this story would read very differently. The fact of the matter is alcohol being a factor in this death has been covered up. It would not be covered up if this child had a different last name. I am sorry for the loss of this family, but I am irritated by the double standard this causes. The details may never truly come out, and that is the unfair, politically controlled world we live in today.

    Log in to Reply
    • Lou Creighton says

      June 19, 2012 at 3:21 pm

      I am appalled at some of the comments people have made regarding the Boniface tragedy. It’s always about “woe is me” – whoever they are…I am sick at heart and would hope people would just knock it off. Let the family get through this. It is out of respect for the family and the way they have led their lives. You sow what you reap and the Boniface family have sown the seeds of goodness, honesty, and a work ethic learned from generation to generation. This is not the time to grind your personal axe – keep it to yourself.

      Log in to Reply
      • Judi says

        June 19, 2012 at 4:20 pm

        Lou, I agree with you completely. Leave this family alone to greive
        their loss. I recently had a relative age 20 die or complications from being a diabetic. Her local Parks and Rec where she volunteered honored her family by setting up a scholarship in her name and when it was covered by the local media, her family was slammed with people saying terrible things about the honor, and how they should receive the money, because they worked harder than she did.
        A young man was killed, lets remember that, and not turn this into a linch mob.

        Log in to Reply
      • Mike Welsh says

        June 20, 2012 at 6:15 pm

        Lou,

        So very, very true. You do reap what you sow! My condolences to the Boniface family.

        Log in to Reply
    • NeverCease2BeAmazed says

      June 19, 2012 at 4:19 pm

      How do you know this to be ‘fact’? A mother and father have lost their son, a little girl has lost the brother who was truly her hero….and all you can think to do is attack because of where the accident happened and who Ben’s father is. Shame on you. As far as I am concerned, your behavior is more offensive than any perceived cover-up.

      Log in to Reply
      • Judi says

        June 19, 2012 at 4:25 pm

        I agree with your post. A child is dead, the family does not need to be subjected to this kind of hatefull behavior.

        Log in to Reply
    • Deeda says

      June 20, 2012 at 4:39 pm

      Why do people always make everything about race. This has nothing to do with race, let the race issue go! Leave these people to mourn their son.

      Log in to Reply
  31. Get Out Of Here says

    June 19, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    What kind of farming is done at 1.30am?

    Truth I agree; if this was in Edgewood.

    Log in to Reply
    • John says

      June 19, 2012 at 4:21 pm

      1:30 AM farming!!! I’ll bet he was drunk. He was seen at a local bar earlier in the evening.

      Log in to Reply
      • Neal Anderson says

        July 3, 2012 at 6:00 pm

        A child is lost, no matter what the cause, pray for the family. Ben is in heaven, I wish our society was more compassionate and less judgmental.

        Log in to Reply
    • Sheeple says

      June 20, 2012 at 6:52 pm

      It’s foaling season,race hoeses are usually born early in the morning like midnight to 5 AM. That’s why there is a night watch there. That is what kind of farming is done at night.

      Log in to Reply
  32. Elsie says

    June 19, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    As parents, we cannot possibly understand how you can bear the terrible pain you must feel. We hope that all of the love from everyone’s hearts helps your family get through this. His memory will always be with you and all of us. Know your friends care and share your loss.

    Log in to Reply
  33. AngelFire says

    June 19, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    It is a horse farm – horses get out at all hours.. And farmers get up at 3:30 to go to work.. seriously guys, if you can’t say anything decent, don’t say anything at all..

    Log in to Reply
    • John says

      June 19, 2012 at 4:22 pm

      DO you drive your truck so fast chasing a horse that it causes the car to lose control? Not a very good farmer then.

      Log in to Reply
      • Farmergirl says

        June 19, 2012 at 9:15 pm

        Dear John your are a jackass. You know nothing about farming or humanity.

        Log in to Reply
  34. Jessica says

    June 19, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    billy I’m so very. Sad 4 Ur losT my. GoD. B w/ U

    Log in to Reply
  35. patti bines says

    June 19, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    so sorry to hear of your loss mary, bill and I were friends she adored you all thought and prayer with all of you .

    Log in to Reply
  36. Brian Goodman says

    June 19, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    Police Report Indicates Boniface Son Returning Home at Time of Fatal Crash

    http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/06/19/police-report-indicates-boniface-son-returning-home-at-time-of-fatal-crash/

    Log in to Reply
  37. BRAC Family says

    June 19, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    May his soul rest in peace, and perpetual light shine upon him.

    Log in to Reply
  38. Susanne Hassler says

    June 20, 2012 at 6:15 am

    Our hearts are with everyone in the Boniface family with this horrific tragedy. A parent’s nightmare come true. We are lifting you all up in fervent prayer, especially Billy, at this time. Sending loving and supportive thoughts to a family who has given so much to our community. God bless you all.

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sounding Off

  • “I can't wait to see what is in these emails that Bob is not wanting to share.”

    Bob Watch | Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act

  • “I like Gahler as well but don't forget he is backing his Sgt.Pennman who sits on the County Council. Pennman…”

    Lalta Durbal | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “This Cassilly/Penman spat I believe was initiated, at least in part, by the possibility of public housing projects being built…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “A plat revision reducing the number of lots is hardly worth you weeing your shorts over.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You do know there is a system in the county called “Fast Track”. Ask your buddy Euler, he’s already used…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Nothing at all suspicious about a property that has sat around for generations and then gets approved in record pace…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The supposed development that everyone is referring to goes back generations. When 95 was built there were lots created by…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Right you are. Pretty comical that Bob Cassilly has a business registered at his home address that is not his…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Quite a display of clownsmanship from Penman at last nights council meeting. Is he off his meds? You’re not in…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I don’t have a dog in the fight regarding the Cassilly v. Penman conflict. I hope it is resolved in…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Shenanigans? You’re hilarious.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Yeah, that's the whole point. He is not any other county resident, he is the county executive and he and…”

    Happy Bob Real Estate | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The amount of disinformation here is staggering. The land that is owned by Bobs family was actually platted for 14…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “$145,000 for a part-time job and then demand more money? Pretty cushy spot he's in...maybe he needs to spend his…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Cassilly makes way over 145k and in fact took a cola double of what he gave county employees. You are…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@money tree OMG! Penman is paid the same sergeant's salary that every one else earns and a rate that is…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Good lord man, go back and read the claim being made. You folks are all over the map. First it's…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@Money Tree Since you are so much in the know, Did Bob authorize the Administrator to sign as Bob Cassilly,…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “All that money must have you high. No one said executive forged a document. It is Bob claiming someone else…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I will repeat - you are aware that any approvals for development go through various county agencies to ensure whatever…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “He had plats expedited and also some things allowed to get more lots. His Planning Advisory Board appointee Amy O’Neil…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Claiming the county executive forged a document could wind you up in civil court if you care to say that…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You must be Bob with the name money tree since it seems to be raining down money on you and…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Ethics complaint stating Cassilly signed off on a plat for development that involves his family which has already been easily…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I read the Aegis article and it looks like Penman made his ethics complaint on Feb. 14 and Cassilly made…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

Recent Posts

  • Trio Arrested In Connection With Alleged Assault, Kidnapping In Darlington March 17, 2025
  • 3P: “Developers’ Exploitation Led to Missed Opportunity for Harford County” December 19, 2024
  • 3P Protect Perryman Peninsula: Developers Exploit Horse Training Facility to Push Illegal Freight Terminal Project September 5, 2024
  • Arrest Made in Aberdeen Triple Homicide; Victims Identified April 30, 2024
  • Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act March 25, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly: “Once Again I Find Myself in the Position of Having to Fend Off Personal Attacks” March 20, 2024
  • Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly February 28, 2024
  • Harford County to Purchase Land of Abandoned Eva Mar Development for New Public School in Bel Air February 27, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly Initiates Legislation for Comprehensive Zoning Review February 22, 2024
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to 1st Degree Murder February 22, 2024
  • Violent Carjacking in Aberdeen Leaves Man Injured; Victim Clings to Hood as Stolen Car Speeds Away February 17, 2024
  • Bel Air Man Found Guilty of Rape, Sex Offense, Assault; Faces Immigration Consequences February 9, 2024
  • Harford County Councilman Penman: “King Cassilly’s Intent is to Bully the County Council and Mislead our Community Members” February 6, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly Announces Opposition to Legislation Allowing Freestanding Accessory Dwelling Units in Residential Areas January 16, 2024
  • Harford’s Cassilly Delivers State of the County Address: Redirecting Government to Serve People; No Tax Increases, Public Safety Upgrades, New County Parks January 12, 2024
  • Confrontation Leads to Gunshot, Murder in Bel Air December 30, 2023
  • Woman Charged with 1st-Degree Assault for Threatening Rental Company Employees in Aberdeen December 19, 2023
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Rape and Intent to Distribute Cocaine December 11, 2023
  • Mother Charged with Homicide in Death of 3-Yr-Old Son in Bel Air December 4, 2023
  • Longtime Employee of Harford County Manufacturer Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for $20 Million Kickback Scheme December 1, 2023

Archives

Extras

  • About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Sign up for The Daily Dagger Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Daily Dagger and receive new articles by email.

Copyright © 2025 ·Dagger Press LLC · Log in

%d