TX Brother Claims he Was Sleepwalking While Murdering Twin Sister

A Harris County jury sentenced 21-year-old Benjamin Elliott to 15 years in prison for the 2021 murder of his twin sister, Meghan Elliott. The sentencing came just a day after he was found guilty following a trial where his defense argued he was sleepwalking during the fatal stabbing.

A NIGHTMARE BECOME REALITY

On September 29, 2021, Benjamin called 911, claiming he had stabbed his 17-year-old sister while dreaming, only to realize it was real. Harris County deputies arrived to find him performing CPR, but Meghan was pronounced dead at the scene.

COULD A LOVING BROTHER DO THIS?

Elliott’s attorneys argued he suffered from parasomnia, a sleep disorder that can cause unconscious actions. His defense team brought in neurologist Dr. Jerald Simmons, who testified that sleep-related violence is rare but possible.

"How could a kid who cherishes his sister commit a crime that heinous without a reasonable explanation?" asked defense attorney Wes Rucker.

NO MOTIVE BUT INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE

Prosecutors countered that the evidence did not support the sleepwalking claim. They presented phone data showing Elliott was active before the attack, logged steps to and from Meghan’s room, and turned off his school alarm.

They also alleged he used a pillow to muffle her screams and stabbed her with a knife he obtained the night before.

"While I didn’t give you motive, I did give you premeditation," prosecutor Megan Long argued.

THE VERDICT

After five hours of deliberation, the jury found Elliott guilty. While prosecutors sought 40 years, the judge sentenced him to 15.