Eric Charles Nenno was born on April 13, 1961, in Olean, New York.

On March 23, 1995, Nicole Benton, a seven-year-old girl, disappeared during a birthday party for her father in Hockley, Texas. Eric Charles Nenno, who lived nearby, lured her to his home under the pretense of getting a guitar. Once inside, he attacked her. After struggling with her, he strangled her to death. He then hid her body in his attic and concealed her clothing in a filing cabinet.

Several days later, police visited Nenno's house to question him about Nicole's disappearance. Neighbors had reported previous suspicious behavior involving Nenno, which led to their interest. On their third visit, Nenno answered the door wearing only a towel and invited the detectives in, seeming cooperative. However, he became nervous when asked about Nicole, denying knowing her.

The detectives conducted a brief search of his home and left, but they later invited him for further questioning. During this interview, he admitted to a past incident where he attempted to lure a young girl. After failing a polygraph test, he ultimately revealed that Nicole was in his attic, leading investigators to her hidden body.

Nenno was arrested shortly after. He confessed to having sexual fantasies about young girls, and stated that he had raped and strangled Nicole. He was convicted of capital murder on January 18, 1996, and sentenced to death a few weeks later.

After numerous legal appeals that were denied, Eric Nenno was executed by lethal injection on October 28, 2008. His last meal consisted of a grilled cheeseburger, four fish patties, six hard-boiled eggs, and coffee. He was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. at the Huntsville Unit in Texas.