Jealous Boyfriend Killed Delco Woman, Put Body In Trashcan: DA

LANSDOWNE, PA — A jealous ex-boyfriend admitted killing a Delaware County woman back in November 2020, authorities announced Wednesday.

Charges have been filed against Benjamin Boykins, 34, of Philadelphia, for the murder of Tanika Kirkpatrick, 43, of Lansdowne. Boykins has been charged with first-, second- and third- degree murder, criminal homicide, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and abuse of corpse, authorities said

Authorities said that Boykins told them he saw photographs of Kirkpatrick with other men on her phone, which caused him to become angry. He admitted choking her to death. He said he then carried the victim out of the house in a bag, took the body to his home, and then hid the body in a trash can.

Three days before her murder, Kirkpatrick had obtained an emergency protection from abuse order against Boykins, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. "But in the end, it was not enough to protect her from this defendant."

Lansdowne Police launched the investigation after Kirkpatrick was reported missing. Authorities found a large stain of what appeared to be blood on the victim’s comforter, and detected an odor of bleach or other cleaning solvent in the bedroom in Kirkpatrick's Lansdowne home.

Officers spoke with Kirkpatrick's two children, who said that they had not seen their mother since about 9 p.m. the previous evening. Authorities found Kirkpatrick's vehicle, which was parked near the residence, with the keys and cell phone left inside. Cell phone records showed the last call received on the phone was on Nov. 16, 2020 from the Boykins.

Authorities also confirmed blood was inside Kirkpatrick's vehicle. Surveillance video of the Boykins' residence showed he arrived at his residence in Kirkpatrick's vehicle on the morning of Nov. 17, 2020. He was seen carrying a large and heavy object into the residence.

Records were obtained for Boykins' cell phone, which showed he was in Michigan.

Pennsylvania State Parole were notified that Boykins was a suspect in a missing person case where foul play was suspected, and a warrant was issued for his extradition. Then on Nov. 20, 2020 the US Marshal Service located Boykins in Flint, Michigan, and he was turned over to the Michigan State Police.

Boykins was later extradited from Michigan to Delaware County.

On Feb. 9, Boykins waived his rights and agreed to speak with detectives. It was at that time he admitting killing his ex-girlfriend, the DA said.

"An incredible list of dedicated law enforcement agencies worked in coordination to make this arrest, including the Lansdowne Police Department, the Upper Darby Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Detectives, the Criminal Investigation Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Michigan State Police, and the US Marshal Service, all of which played a vital role in the arrest of this defendant," Stollsteimer said. "While we mourn this tragic loss of life, the community should know that my office will work hard to ensure that justice is done."