PRU TEAM
Matt Benton
Founder &
Lead-Investigator
Matt’s fascination with the paranormal began in childhood, after encounters with shadow figures, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own. In 2011, during an investigation at the Old Washoe Club in Virginia City, NV, he experienced a life-changing moment when a brick was thrown by an unseen force—sparking his decision to pursue paranormal research.
Blending his investigative skills with filmmaking, Matt has documented his work with teams like Paranormal Extreme Crew (2011–2013), Soul Seekers (2013–2015), and now as founder of the Paranormal Research Unit (2015–present). His documentaries aim to share research and educate a wider audience.
Known for his logical, objective mindset, Matt stresses the importance of debunking and critical thinking, believing most claims can be explained naturally. Since 2017, he has pushed PRU toward a stronger scientific foundation, committed to advancing the field with integrity and evidence-based research.
Justin Brown
Parapsychologist trainee & Investigator
Justin Brown is a photographer, filmmaker and paranormal investigator from Hillsboro, Ohio. Since 2013, Justin has been searching for evidence of life after death, incentivized by the untimely death of his father in 2011 and reinforced by profound, unexplained experiences in his early 20's. During the height of the popularity of paranormal pop culture, Justin injected himself into the paranormal community head first, utilizing his love for scientific scrutiny and critical thinking while balancing his spiritual philosophy and beliefs. The love for film and creative expression would infuse Justin's work, propelling him forward into multiple fields of study that include documentary filmmaking, graphic design and podcasting. Justin has investigated dozens of paranormal hotspots, residential cases and interviewed hundreds of peers in the paranormal community. His current work involves the connection between consciousness, quantum physics and the psychic phenomenon and how those elments can be better understood in the process of paranormal and philisophical exploration.
Joe Vitale
Investigator & Historical Researcher
Joe Vitale is a seasoned paranormal investigator with over 25 years of experience, as well as a musician, filmmaker, and creator behind the YouTube channel Entity Seven Paranormal. He served as producer and cinematographer on the acclaimed documentaries Evil Unearthed and The Harrisville Haunting: The Real Conjuring House. Known for his meticulous historical research and skepticism. Joe brings both credibility and depth to each investigation. Within the paranormal field, he has also earned respect in the debunking community for his balanced, evidence-driven approach.
Dante Reeder
Investigator
Dante Reeder is a seasoned paranormal investigator from San Diego, California, best known as the Lead Investigator of Soul Seekers. His passion for the unexplained took center stage when he and his team appeared on Travel Channel’s Paranormal Challenge (Episode 11), where they investigated the haunted USS Hornet—ultimately winning the challenge. Since launching Soul Seekers in 2009, Dante has built a reputation for his dedication to uncovering the truth behind the supernatural. In 2013, he began collaborating with longtime friend Matt Benton, and today he continues his work as an investigator with the Paranormal Research Unit.
Jimmie Mitchell
Investigator & AV Tech
James Mitchell is a documentary filmmaker and truth seeker, walking the shadowy line between skepticism and belief in a relentless pursuit of the unknown. Fueled by a deep desire to uncover what lies beyond the veil of deception, James delves into the mysteries of the paranormal, not to validate illusions, but to unearth the raw and unvarnished truth. Through his lens, stories unfold with a haunting elegance—crafted not for sensationalism, but to confront the uncomfortable realities that others often ignore. His work challenges the myths and fabrications perpetuated in the world of the unexplained, shining a stark light on false narratives while embracing the genuine mysteries that refuse to be easily defined. With each frame and every question, James ventures into the heart of darkness—not to find answers that comfort, but to confront the truth, no matter how unsettling it may be.
Helena Benton
Investigator
Helena Benton began her journey into the paranormal in 2021, launching her YouTube channel Hauntingly Beautiful Adventures to document her chilling encounters and personal investigations. Passionate about capturing the unknown, Helena has developed a sharp eye for striking visuals and continues to refine her skills in editing and filmmaking. Married to filmmaker and paranormal investigator Matt Benton, she brings both creativity and curiosity to every project, carving her own path as an investigator and storyteller in the paranormal field.
Josh Bender
Engineer
Josh serves as the lead engineer of the Paranormal Research Unit, bringing cutting-edge innovation to the field of paranormal research. As the CEO and engineer of Deadlite, widely regarded as one of the top IR light companies in the world, Josh has earned a reputation for precision craftsmanship and groundbreaking design. He specializes in building high-performance IR lights and developing custom equipment to bring the team’s most innovative ideas to life. Known for his dedication to quality, Josh creates tools investigators can truly rely on and be proud to own. Among his standout achievements, he custom-engineered the IR lighting system for Matt Benton’s ParaTact Helmet 2.0.
Zackary Stone
Main Cameraman
Zackary is a visionary cinematographer and director of photography whose work blends cinematic artistry with compelling visual storytelling. With a background in documentary, music videos, narrative film, and television, he brings a meticulous eye for composition, lighting, and camera movement that elevates every frame. His experience working on and assisting in independent paranormal documentaries, film sets, as well as multiple episodes of "Ghost Adventures" makes him especially skilled at crafting visuals that capture the mystery, suspense, and raw energy of paranormal storytelling. Zackary’s work reflects a passion for creating immersive worlds. Whether it's through dynamic aerial drone shots, rich cinematic b-roll, or intimate handheld perspectives, Zack has the skills designed to pull audiences deep into the experience and create compelling content that will leave you wanting more.
DeWaine West
Investigator
DeWaine has always been intrigued with the paranormal for most of his life. He has always been fascinated by the ghost stories he would hear from others wondering if he could experience that one day. He started to investigate the paranormal in 2012 once him & his friends that were working for a security company at the time decided to create a paranormal group called Seek the Truth Paranormal. That is when he got to experience some of the phenomena he has heard about over the years himself. That is when the paranormal became his passion. He would investigate multiple locations & started gaining new experiences. Later the team disbanded & he continued to run the Facebook page as a paranormal topic page. He started to branch out in paranormal field by doing tours for Randolph County Infirmary for a while & worked at some events. He met Matt in 2016 during a Para-CON event & soon after he helped out with some camera work for Matt. It wasn't much long after that he joined PRU. DeWaine is more of the believer in the team & tries to keep the more skeptical members of the team more open. During 2018 DeWaine started working on ITC Boxes for 101 Para Cafe. He has excellent knowledge & experience with electronics which is why he became the AV Tech for PRU.
Tanya LaForce West
Investigator
Tanya has always had interest in the paranormal because she had some experiences as a child with a Ouija Board that scared her & she still can't explain it to this day. Later in her life she experienced more unexplained phenomena that would give her more questions with no answers. It wasn't until 2017 she got into a relationship with DeWaine and he introduced her to paranormal investigating. She has now dove into this work to maybe find some answers to what she saw in her past. She has a background in writing & a degree in criminal Justice. She is the historical researcher for the team. She digs into historical events that have happened at the locations we investigate.