Erin Benavides, the former prosecutor whose name became attached to one of the biggest celebrity scandals of the 2010s, has died by suicide at age 54. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Page Six that her cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Her full autopsy report is expected to be released in about a week, and no additional circumstances have been shared.
Benavides entered the national spotlight in 2010 when she was accused of having an emotional affair with NBA star Tony Parker, who was married to actress Eva Longoria at the time. The story dominated entertainment news, and Longoria filed for divorce shortly after. Benavides’life was reshaped by the coverage, and her name stayed attached to that single chapter for more than fifteen years.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.