FBI Helps Loudoun County Sheriff With Ex-CIA Slaying
Intelligence source: Victim involved in accidental 1999 bombing of Chinese embassy
By MATTHEW STABLEY
Updated 9:00 PM EST, Mon, Mar 30, 2009
The FBI has joined the investigation into the death of a Loudoun County man who used to be a contractor for the CIA.
Agents are checking to see if William Bennett has any enemies from his CIA days, sources said.
Deputies found Bennett's body in a grassy area next to Riverside Parkway early on March 22. His wife, Cynthia Bennett, was found injured nearby. She was airlifted to an area hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
The couple may have been attacked by three people seen driving suspiciously in the area in a white-panel van, investigators said. The Bennetts were wearing jogging outfits.
Investigators still do not know the motive for the attack or whether it was gang-related or random. They also don't know if the attack took place were the couple was found or if the bodies were moved to that location.
What they do know is that William Bennett was a CIA contractor until 2000.
He was involved in a mistaken bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in May 1999 during the conflict with Kosovo, according to intelligence sources. Three people were killed and 20 injured in that bombing.
The CIA later took responsibility.
Bennett was one of the officials who helped identify targets in Belgrade, according to a retired senior intelligence officer.
Investigators ask anyone who might have seen or heard anything unusual in the area Sunday morning to call the sheriff's office at 703-777-0475. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.
First Published: Mar 30, 2009 7:48 PM EST
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