Death of Local Man One Year Ago Ruled Accidental

Rachel Dahl
10/28/2022 02:41 AM (update 04/11/2023 02:05 AM)

The investigation into the death of Benjamin Knell one year ago has been closed and the death listed as accidental.

Sheriff Richard Hickox said in October of 2021 that the investigation into Knell’s death led to the issuance of two search warrants on September 22, 2021, one for Knell’s official residence of record, 261 Serpa Place where he lived with his parents, Geoff and Dorothy Knell, along with another residence where Ben Knell kept a trailer at Tom’s Trailer Court on South Taylor Street.
Geoff Knell, Ben’s father, has a long history of “street preaching” in Fallon, He regularly attends local government meetings, accusing elected officials of being “ungodly” and has said on several occasions, “I will do whatever it takes to stop you.”

Hickox confirmed at the time, that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were in Fallon on Sept 22, 2021 to assist with the investigation, as well as the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. He confirmed that chemicals and explosives were found at the South Taylor residence, as well as in a shop in the backyard at Serpa Place. Additionally, sources said, and the Sheriff confirmed there is a 10’ by 12’ hole under the shop on Serpa Place.

“We have closed out our investigation into the matter,” said Hickox on Thursday, “and Geoff is not a suspect in any ongoing investigation.” According to Hickox, the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries due to an explosion.

Knell was found dead by a friend on September 22, 2021, at mile marker 34 north of Fallon on Hwy 95.

At the Churchill County School Board meeting in October 2021, Geoff Knell was in attendance and spoke during public comment. “It’s amazing how corrupted the school boards are…its nothing but brainwashing our children. It’s terrible that our children in this county are being directed in a certain way…my child who died recently is part of your conditioning.”

Sheriff Hickox is urging the public to “be diligent and pay attention to people who are doing dangerous acts.”

Knell is currently a candidate for the Fallon City Council, running in the open Ward 3 against Paul Harmon.

Upload date: 10/28/2022 02:41 AM

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Jo Bolzle 10/28/2022 08:24 AM

This is a hatchet job on Geoff Knell. His comments have no bearing on the case in question. While I do not espouse Geoff's practices, he does have a First Amendment right to say the things he does. Obviously, this rag has decided to use the case as a way to cast shade on Geoff during an election season. Shame on you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                From the editor: Several readers have asked about the disposition of the investigation, specifically in light of Geoff's candidacy and the threats and accusations he has made to elected officials. We always follow up with ongoing investigations and when we find out they are closed, we report.It would be irresponsible not to follow up on this one.  