Scott Benson was "a spoiled young man who got whatever he wanted. He never forgot his own upbringing; his father, Grady Berry, was a postal worker, and his mother, Pauline Berry, a store clerk. Carol Lynn Benson Kendall was a former Miss Florida runner-up and was survived in a murder attempt by her brother Steven Wayne Benson in 1985. Associated Press. Johnson v. Johnson, 410 Pa.Super. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) Two Tampa Bay area attorneys are among 11 attorneys who were recently suspended, reprimanded, or had their licenses revoked by the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders. Please try again. Investigators -- including ATF explosive experts called in from Washington, D.C. and Atlanta -- were attempting to determine how and where the bombs were placed in the wagon. Despite the stereotype of rich families being distant from each other, the Benson clan was a tight-knit group. LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and LAWSON, JJ., concur. Later in his career, Berry was board chair for the Florida Innocence Project where he advocated tirelessly for the freedom of the wrongly imprisoned. To escape the turmoil of his family, Steven Benson had bought himself his own retreat -- a huge house in Fort Myers, complete with swimming pool, tennis courts and a Datsun 280Z. Contrary to published reports, Vaughan said, the Bensons were not heading for the tennis courts when they left their home at 13002 White Violet Way and got into the Chevrolet Tuesday at 9:48 a.m. But Kendall, who was injured seriously in the explosion, apparently had to, according to the testimony of bookkeeper Dorothy McCormick. Free shipping for many products! A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming months. It is, of course, well-settled that we may affirm the order of the trial court on appeal where it is correct on any legal ground or *590 theory, regardless of the reason relied upon by the trial court. He attended Caseys basketball games at the University of the South where he was a starting player; he arrived at the Nashville hospital when his granddaughter was born, wearing the same trousers and tie worn earlier to his office. Despite the long hours in his career, Berry refused to miss school functions when his two children were young. SC17-1632), effective 30 days from a Sept. 14 court order. He is charged with attempted murder in the wounding of his sister, Carol Lynn Benson Randall, 43. He was instrumental in the formation of specialty courts for mental health, substance abuse and for veterans in Collier. Leon County is where Benson actually died, according to the medical examiner's office. He retired last year from a remarkable 43-year career that included early years as a prosecutor. Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, Appellant/Petitioner, v. Marjorie Starnes, As Guardian of the Property for the Minor Children of Steven W. Benson, and Steven W. Benson, Appellees/Respondents. It was the O.J. Authorities were shocked by the move, and of course, suspicious. Who was Scott Benson's mother? The Benson family made their millions from tobacco Margaret Benson was the daughter of Universal Leaf owner Harry Hitchcock, who was estimated to be worth over $100 million dollars. Get free summaries of new Pennsylvania Superior Court opinions delivered to your inbox! Berry taught classes and presided over the Inns of Court, a non-partisan organization promoting professionalism. Current Address. It wasnt discussed. In re Pew's Estate, 411 Pa. 96, 191 A.2d 399 (1963). he asked in the report. He failed to respond to an official Bar inquiry. Benson's sister, Carol Lynn Kendall, then 40, also was sitting in the SUV when the bombs went off. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. She practiced law while a suspended and delinquent member of the Bar. He was certainly no stranger to jailhouse violence, reportedly Benson was stabbed by another inmate in 1991. [3] On July 9, 1985, Benson placed a pipe bomb in the family car, in which Margaret, Scott, and Steven's sister, Carol Lynn Benson Kendall (a former Miss Florida runner-up), were waiting for Benson to join them when the Chevrolet Suburban exploded. She passed away on October 23, 2019 at Madonna Towers in Rochester. He went to a nearby emergency room and came to Nashville, where she lives, where he was diagnosed with cancer, she said. SC17-1337). Ochoa has failed to officially respond to or communicate with the Bar. You can call his/her phone number or get in touch with him/her via email. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. You know, like lunches with Dom Perignon.". "Trying to deal with a budget was a foreign concept to him," said Lombillo, who treated Scott Benson in 1983 after his mother had him committed to a mental hospital for observation. It s almost. A lot of cases he lost money on but he felt strongly about taking them.. Carol Lynn Benson Kendall Land Use & Zoning, Family Law, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate, General Practice Law Office: Law Offices Of Carol Lynn B Kendall, Esq Hollywood Law Firms Law School: University of Richmond School of Law, J.D. The Inspector General's Office of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said its investigation is ongoing and it has not yet ruled whether the case is a homicide or suicide. He engaged in a conflict of interest in the dual representation of clients in connection with drafting their revised estate planning documents. (Admitted to practice: 2013) Venakides was retained to handle a dissolution of marriage, but after filing the petition, he ceased communication with the client. Key discipline case files that are public record are posted to attorneys individual online Florida Bar profiles. Finally, the prosecution is attempting to show, mild-mannered Steven Benson had had enough. Broke and with his mother investigating the finances of the businesses he ran for her, Steven Benson decided to do something rash, something totally out of character, the prosecution is trying to show. The filing of such a motion does not alter the effective date of the discipline. (Case Nos. He was all about doing the right thing.. You are now the manager of this memorial. Under Florida law, Steven Benson is precluded from receiving proceeds of the estate of the person he murdered, Hayes said. Moreover, courts cannot rewrite a settlor's deed of trust or distort his language or the language of a statute in order to attain what is believed to be beneficial or wise or even what it is believed that the settlor would or should have provided if he possessed a knowledge of all presently existing circumstances. Before JOHNSON, FORD ELLIOTT and HOFFMAN, JJ. September 1, 1989. Prosecutors linked Benson to the bomb explosion by producing a receipt, with Benson's palm print, for the purchase of pieces of pipe and end caps used in the bomb. "I could never forgive Steven for what he did, no," the anonymous relative confirmed to producers. The records do not indicate when Benson sustained the wound to his right temple. Benson died at Taylor Correctional Institution in Perry, Florida of a stab wound to the head with a homemade knife on July 3, 2015. He always believed that if the defense team was doing its job and the prosecution team was also doing its job, then justice will find its way, Day said. He'd just walk away," said the maid, Ruby Caston. This appeal followed. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Margaret Benson was 63 when she died in the blast. You wouldn't expect something like that to happen to somebody like that . The extended Benson family is still reeling from his cruel and vicious attack on his own mother and siblings. Models (including Marilyn Chambers) shot by Richard Fegley, and Playmate Review of 1975. Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Carol Lynn Benson Kendall in the amount of $1,733.92, for which sum let execution issue. He discounted any link between the bombing and the formation last year of Meridian Security Network Inc., owned by Mrs. Benson and another son, Steven Wayne Benson, 33, of Fort Myers just north of Naples. The Collier County Bar Association awarded him its Medal of Honor. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Includes Address (10) Phone (7) Email (10) See Results. 1986 - Steven Benson, convicted for murder after placing pipe bombs a year earlier in his mother's car in North Naples. (Case No. 4 things you can do for your health, The State of Black Tampa Bay: An Exclusive Town Hall, Ybor speakeasy honors Madame Fortune Taylor, Ex got a warrant? The city of Naples, on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, is home to many rich families and has long been considered to be a thriving and very safe community. Still, Steven Benson remained quiet. Denes Husty, a retired News-Press reporter, covered dozens of Berrys trials through the years. His trial attracted national attention and spurred television specials and books. Check Kathy Lynn Benson more contact info for free. BENNINGTONCarol Lynn Benson Bennington, age 52, of Milford, OH, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash. I could remember calling for someone to help me," she says on the stand in footage seen in "Florida Man Murders.". And what she had to tell them was massive. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. On July 9, 1985 Benson placed a car bomb on the family car, in which Margaret, Scott, and Steven's sister, Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, (a former Miss Florida runner-up) were waiting for. Kendalls Boston attorney, E. Richard Cirace, said Scott Benson was born in 1965 in a Baltimore hospital and later adopted by Kendalls mother, Margaret Benson of Lancaster, Pa., heiress to the Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. fortune. Menu. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Aquafresca was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of a March 8 suspension order. Naples Winter Wine Festival: How much did these 50 auction lots go for? Berrys defense was insanity with testimony of his mental illness. 2023 www.dispatch.com. They were voracious in their consumption of material things, and collected cars, boats and houses like other families collect Green Stamps. Trust Instrument, dated 9/30/80 at 5. At one time we were the largest criminal defense firm in the state, Day said. Then, one of their own betrayed them. Venakides subsequently became a delinquent member of the Bar due to failure to complete continuing legal education requirements. Here is a mug shot of Steven Benson taken while he was in prison. Attorney (s) appearing for the Case Kathy Lynn Benson of Valley . . Trust Instrument C(2)(c). That was when the vehicle was rocked by the explosion Caroline said she saw a giant fireball and realized she was on fire herself. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. February. On August 22, 1985, Steven Benson was arrested for murdering Margaret Benson and Scott Benson and attempting to kill his sister. Cirace said the rumors were never confirmed until Steven Bensons lawyers questioned Kendall about it, to test her credibility. The trustees assert that Kendall's claim arises from two fundamental misconceptions: (1) that Scott's share was and remains a separate independent trust, and (2) that she is *586 entitled to one-half the principal of Scott's share outright. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. As the family was entering the vehicle, it exploded, causing a massive blast heard five miles away. SEARCH. (Admitted to practice: 2010) Jones was found in contempt for non-compliance. The Bensons, who moved to Naples from Lancaster in 1980 or 1981, purchased the 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath home about 18 months ago, said Michelle Bissett, an employee of Foster Lechler Co., a Naples construction firm that built the house near the third tee of the private Quail Creek Country Club. "He was one of the most promising students in the area. Jeff Lytle, retired editorial page editor at the Naples Daily News, said Berry helped the newspaper understand that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to a vigorous defense. It includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam. Respondent is currently suspended; therefore this disbarment is effective immediately. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines. In re Kelsey's Estate, 393 Pa. 513, 143 A.2d 42 (1958). In addition, we may not discard carefully worded language in a trust instrument as meaningless surplusage in construing the trust. [4] The uncontested report of the referee is approved and respondent is disbarred. Could have faced up to 10 years in prison on two felony-on-a-law-officer-charges. (Case No. Valley Village, CA, in zip codes 91607 and 90042. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Further, Kendall shall pay, of $1,075 to one client. I was impressed by the way he stood up for the profession of defense attorney, quick to point out their importance to society.. "How long does it take to say a guy was stabbed in the temple?" This proviso, though inartfully drafted, clearly modifies "[t]o my then living descendants, per stirpes." Steven Benson died of a stab wound to the head from a homemade knife inside the Florida prison where he was serving two life sentences for killing his tobacco heiress mother and brother in 1985, records obtained by LNP show. . In keeping with Berrys wishes, a funeral will not be held. Why? The mangled Benson family Chevy Suburban that Steven Benson exploded with a pipe-bomb in front of his family's Naples, Fla., home, killing his mother and nephew and injuring of his sister. In a rare moment of emotion during his trial, Steven Benson cries in the Florida courtroom where a jury convicted him in 1986 of blowing up his family in a Chevy Suburban in the driveway of their Naples, Fla., home on July 9, 1985. Ironically, her testimony may help send Steven Benson, the peacemaker, to his final peace. Aside from practicing his favorite sport for hours on end, the handsome, dark-haired Benson tooled around the resort town in one of several sports cars -- including a fire-engine red Lotus, a Porsche 928 and a pair of Datzun 280Zs, according to friends and acquaintainces. He had driven over in his own car, but then said he would go out and grab doughnuts, taking the Suburban that later exploded, instead of his own vehicle. But a medical examiner's report obtained by LNP states the cause of Benson's death was delayed complications of sharp force head trauma.. Berry never waivered in his commitment that everyone has equal rights under the law, Day, a former law partner for 25 years, said. I have a strong feeling Steven Benson also knew, Cirace said. He remained lifelong friends with many of his rugby teammates, according to his family. "Kind of low-key for a woman with all that money. In another case, Binns was found guilty of neglecting a client matter, failing to provide trust account records, and commingling funds. An autopsy conducted three days after Benson diedfound a puncture wound on his right temple. The theory was a dead end. In re Edward H. BENSON, Settlor to Meridian Trust Company Substitute for American Bank and Trust Co. of Pa. On Aug. 22, 1985, the State of Florida charged him with murder in the first degree of his 63-year-old mother, Margaret, and his adopted brother Scott. It was all about making sure the person is getting a fair shake, especially in our area, Day said, referring to conservative Collier with its strong law and order mindset. The home she was living in, valued at about $300,000, didn't have the right view. Steven was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life in prison. All rights reserved. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers dedicated its Tallahassee headquarters to him, renaming it The Berry Building.. Benson, who was 33 at the time, was arrested just weeks after the deadly car bomb exploded. Margaret Benson and his adopted brother, Scott Benson, were killed. While his lawyers were good, Carolyn's testimony on the stand shredded his defense, as she spoke of his odd behavior and refusal to come to her aid when she was on fire. The best result we found for your search is Carol Elizabeth Benson age 70s in Lakeville, MN. Steven was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life in prison. The suit is pending. Benson died earlier this month in a Florida prison, where he was serving two life sentences for the crimes. At 21, he had been arrested multiple times, haddone plenty of recreational drugs, and partied hard with strippers. Membership fees: A reported $22,000. He served as a tremendous mentor for many, many lawyers in Naples and around the state.. He always wanted so much, and he would holler and scream and carry on until he got it," one of Margaret Benson's former bookkeepers testified. Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, 2719 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 164, Hollywood, disbarred effective immediately, following a Sept. 22 court order. For answers to your questions about this product: Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon-Sat;. Learn more about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. And it would have "that million-dollar look" Margaret Benson craved, Kerr testified. Notwithstanding that she had been advised by both the trustees and the court that she could not disclaim the principal, Kendall, appearing pro se, filed exceptions to the First and Final Account and the Adjudication of the Scott R. Benson Trust, arguing that she had validly disclaimed her one-half interest in the Scott R. Benson trust in favor of her sons. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? He said he learned from a close friend of the Bensons' that police, concerned about a second bomb, used a remote-control device to turn on the ignition of each of the other three or four cars parked in the driveway. He was friendly. He was also putting the finishing touches on a 30-foot, Cigarette-styled racing boat souped up with a nitrous-oxide tank to help boost the horsepower of two large engines, one friend said. Margaret Benson's spending almost rivaled that of Imelda Marcos. BOSTON (AP) _ Tobacco heiress Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, who survived a car bombing that killed her mother and adopted brother, has said under oath that the dead young man was actually her son, her attorney said today. And if Steven Benson wanted to call his mother, he had to do it during business hours. His sister, Carol Lynn Benson, was in the car and survived to testify against him. Scott Benson repaid Margaret Benson by suing her -- claiming that when she tried to put him on a budget, no matter how generous, she was cheating him out of his rightful due -- and by pushing her to the floor on one occasion and shaking her violently on another, according to testimony. To my knowledge, Scott never confronted his mother with the question. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed for non-compliance a year earlier in his mother, he to! Scott never confronted his mother 's car in North Naples Benson & # x27 ; s mother career, refused! 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