A Point Loma man, Peter Bentz, went missing just before Thanksgiving last year. His family went to the police and reported that he didn’t show up for a planned family outing out of town, and it was unlike him to not contact friends and family members. Bentz, 68, was last seen at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach on November 19. Missing posters went up.
Somewhere along the line – and for as yet undisclosed reasons – developments in the case caused police investigators to believe they had a murder case on their hands and it was turned over to homicide detectives.
Police came to suspect Brian Eleron Hancock of National City was the culprit, an acquaintance of the victim. And Hancock was already in custody on totally unrelated charges (cruelty to a child, burglary and possessing drugs for sale). Bentz’s body has yet to be found.
On Tuesday, Hancock, 47, pleaded not guilty in San Diego Superior Court to a murder charge and Judge Maureen Hallahan ordered $2 million in bail. Hancock also has past strikes for arson and burglary. The Assistant DA on the case told the media Hancock faces 75 years to life, if he is convicted. Hancock will return to court on court July 12 for a status conference and bail review.
No other details have emerged, no motive was disclosed, nor information about any relationship between the men, except as acquaintances.
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Arson and cruelty to a child? Sounds like the MacDonsld Triad, the homicidal indicator…..
I hope Peters family finds peace.
I dated Peter several times a few years back. He was a sweetheart; He told me that he had met someone that he thought he might be able to have a lasting relationship with. RIP, Peter. I hope he found happiness, as short a time it might have been.
I just cant grasp this I knew Brian from a online game contract killer sniper .He was always helpful as the leader of several members of our clan. He always showed respect and always willing to help others when he could and always talked about fishing . My friend I hope they get this B/S straight and I pray they see the guy I knew. Praying for you Brian aka 619 on contract killer sniper game.