Smitten had improperly deposited more than $88,000 belonging to his employer or the employers clients into his personal bank account instead of the law firms account. Who was Scott Benson's mother? This is the second suspension in two years . You can explore additional available newsletters here. 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. We learned about the passing of Carol Lynn Benson Kendall on May 23, 2022. Our standard of review from a final order of the Orphans' Court Division requires that we accord the findings of an Orphans' Court, sitting without a jury, the same weight and effect as the verdict of a jury; we will not disturb those findings absent manifest error; as an appellate court we can modify an Orphans' Court decree only if the findings upon which the decree rests are not supported by competent or adequate evidence or if there has been an error of law, an abuse of discretion, or a capricious disbelief of competent evidence. ", Living amid all of the chaos was Steven Benson, described by his lawyer, Michael McDonnell, as the family "peacemaker, the one who never got angry. Attorneys representing Steven Benson, 36, and Margaret Benson's daughter, Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, 43, said they both probably will appeal Monday's ruling. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! A jury deliberated just 12 hours before finding Benson guilty but spared him from the death penalty. He was born in 1951 in Baltimore. According to The Florida Bar, court orders are not final until time expires to file a rehearing motion and, if filed, determined. For more on this case and others like it, watch "Florida Man Murders" on Oxygen or stream episodes on Oxygen.com. . There had been general rumors (about the boys parentage) going around Lancaster, where the family was brought up, Cirace said. While attending UF and later FSU, he played rugby for the traveling clubs. Kendall was injured in the car-bomb that killed her son, Scott Benson, and mother, Margaret Benson, on July 9, 1985, in front of their Naples, Fla., home. (Admitted to practice: 2011) According to a petition for emergency suspension order, Ochoa appeared to be causing great public harm. Associated Press. There were particles of bodies and materials, and it looked like a bomb had dropped on the Suburban," Harold Younga, a retired homicide lieutenant with the Collier County sheriffs department, told producers of Oxygen's new series,"Florida Man Murders.". Everyone, no matter the criminal charge, deserved to have someone stand with them in the court room and fight for them, McFee, a former law partner, said. (Admitted to practice: 1996) Days after a womans son suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Dopazo approached the woman at a hospital and successfully solicited her to become his client. Despite (his cancer) treatment, we were able to make some memories, Taylor Berry said. "I don't really know how to comment on it. Jerry was one of the most compassionate and empathetic people I have ever met, Circuit Court Judge Shannon McFee said. 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. Scott Benson, by most accounts, was a generous and genial "rich kid" who aspired to the professional tennis tour, dated a beautiful blonde and enjoyed the fast life in both his cars and boats. [4] Consequently, the beneficiaries, of which Kendall was one, could not assign or appoint nominees to receive that principal. He failed to respond to an official Bar inquiry. If you want to buy a home, you need the assistance . In July 2015, he died in prison after a fellow inmate stabbed him in the head. A team of 20 investigators from the Collier County Sheriff's Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) have discovered some 40 fragments of two suspected pipe bombs in and around the wagon, officials said. In re Pew's Estate, 411 Pa. 96, 191 A.2d 399 (1963). What happened to Roxanne Evans (News 12)? Prosecutors said Benson left his mother's home on the morning of the explosion, allegedly to get coffee and doughnuts. It wasnt discussed. More than $1 million was transferred into Ochoas trust account for a business deal, and he failed to return the money upon request. He then ran back inside to get a tape measure. 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 FLORIDA BAR Complainant(s) v. CAROL LYNN BENSON KENDALL Respondent(s). We had to preserve the scene because it was quite a large explosion. "He was one of the most promising students in the area. Day joined Berry in 1988 and the practice became Berry & Day. Described as quiet and low-key, the 63-year-old tobacco heiress and her son were killed Tuesday morning when two pipe bombs exploded as they sat in the front seat of a four-wheel drive Chevrolet Suburban wagon registered to Mrs. Benson. The underlying facts of this case may be summarized as follows: In November 1980, Edward H. Benson died survived by his wife, Margaret H. Benson, and three children: Steven W. Benson, Scott R. Benson and Kendall. Beyond that, Young had little to say. As a result, payment of this principal to Kendall's sons as she proposes would be improper or impermissible. SC16-1970 & SC17-181), for one year, effective 30 days from an Oct. 5 court order. They are required to go through an extensive process that rejects many who apply. At one time we were the largest criminal defense firm in the state, Day said. More:Medical Examiner says Benson was stabbed to death in prison. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Carol Ann Lynn of Ocean, New Jersey, who passed away on May 9, 2021, at the age of 71, leaving to mourn family and friends. Key discipline case files that are public record are posted to attorneys individual online Florida Bar profiles. He was very well respected, so ethical in his practice. The morning of the explosion, she said, the family had all agreed to go see the plot of land but at Steven's suggestion. Edward Benson, prior to his death on November 4, 1980, had executed a revocable life insurance trust agreement providing: (1) for his control of the income and principal as long as he lived; (2) at his death, income was to go to his surviving spouse, Margaret; (3) at her death, the principal was to be divided into separate trusts for his then living children, with income and a periodic *585 payment of 2% of the principal going to each child for life; and, (4) at each child's death, the then remaining principal was to go to an appointee of the child or to his or her issue, if any, or otherwise, to the issue of the settlor. Brief at 4. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. 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. 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. 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. Since the trial court recognized the disclaimer to be effective with respect to income and the 2% periodic payments from principal, we address only the effectiveness of the disclaimer with regard to Kendall's claimed entitlement to one-half of Scott's trust share. Respondent shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3-5.1(h). Bar WARNING: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before first use of this product. He talked to clients about ways they could become a better person, McFee said. 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. 1987 Dominick Dunne's investigative crime show Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege, and Justice devoted an hour for the case of Steven Benson. Steven, who hadn't gotten into the vehicle before it exploded, was safe. Scott Benson was "a spoiled young man who got whatever he wanted. In July 1985, Margaret, 63, her 41-year-old daughter, Carolyn Benson Kendall, her 33-year-old son Steven Benson, and her 21-year-old adopted son, Scott Benson, all got into a vehicle to go check out a plot of land in the city, where Margaret was planning to build another home for the family. In 2016, the American College of Trial Attorneys selected Berry to join the invitation-only ranks of attorneys, and he joined the groups equally exclusive honor society. 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A jury convicted Steven Benson of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and arson of a dwelling. Phone calls to Margaret Benson were tabboo after 5 p.m. from Steven and Debbie Benson's home. Click here to learn more about the role the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund plays in Lancaster County and to make a tax-deductible donation. The autopsy found evidence of wounds at the time his body was examined, as well, included healing contusions on his chest, forearms, right hand, right thigh, right shin and foot. 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. Share this: Print; Twitter; Facebook; Tumblr; The deceased testator, Margaret H. Benson, was the mother of appellant Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, Steven W. Benson and Scott R. Benson. for three years, effective immediately, following a Sept. 13 court order. Investigators Recall Benson Family Murders Crime Scene. The terms of the trust instrument provide "[a]t each child's death (or at the time for the setting apart of shares in the case of a child who dies before that time), any then remaining principal shall be paid," (in default of the power of appointment and with no descendants surviving Scott), to the then living descendants of the settlor, per stirpes, with the proviso that "(any portion thus accruing to a child for whom principal is then held in trust hereunder to be added to and treated as a part of such principal)." Pleaded no contest in exchange for two years probation and surrendered his law enforcement certificate. (Admitted to practice: 1980) Further, McGough shall attend ethics school and a professionalism workshop, and complete 10 additional hours of continuing legal education credits in estate planning. 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. Florida man wins $1 million from $30 scratch-off, Publix FL Lottery ticket worth $186K about to expire, Where to find fish fries in Tampa Bay during Lent, Two FL beaches make Tripadvisors best of the best, Worlds largest bounce house coming to Tampa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. When her mother was still in high school, her family had moved from Connecticut to Naples, Taylor Berry said. Oct. 4, 1985 12 AM PT. Kendall was retained by clients in two separate cases but failed to adequately represent them. (Admitted to practice: 2013) Venakides was retained to handle a dissolution of marriage, but after filing the petition, he ceased communication with the client. he asked in the report. 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. . Why are we still having these debates? Advertisement. Kendall survived but was badly burned; Margaret and Scott died instantly from the bomb impact. The Habitat was to be located south of Corkscrew road three miles east of Interstate 75. At one point, Scott Benson had "unlimited" access to the family fortune, according to Lombillo. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. I could remember calling for someone to help me," she says on the stand in footage seen in "Florida Man Murders.". Carol 's cause of death is unknown to us at this time. Investigators turned to the survivors of the blast for possible leads, but they were shut down. Kendall was retained by clients in two separate cases but failed to adequately represent them. Steven Wayne Benson was an American double murderer of his mother, tobacco heiress Margaret Benson, and his brother, tennis player Scott Benson. https://insideeko.com/carol-lynn-benson-kendall-obituary-d/ insideeko.com During his tenure as the organizations president, he led the effort to acquire and renovate the building. He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2021. He was also found guilty of the attempted murder of his sister, 42-year-old Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, of Brookline, Mass., who suffered disfiguring injuries in the blast. The justice system in Southwest Florida will surely miss him, Batten said. On July 9, 1985, Margaret H. Benson, the settlor's spouse, and Scott R. Benson, the adopted son of the settlor, died. Florida law enforcement officials have provided few details about Bensons death nine months ago, on July 3. two life sentences for killing his tobacco heiress mother. The medical examiner's office declined to comment on the report or explain if the wounds noted in the report were fresh or from another incident. 2. Still, Steven Benson remained quiet. He'd just walk away," said the maid, Ruby Caston. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Carol Ann Lynn to show support. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming months. Abcarian: Mask mandates? (Admitted to practice: 1994) In one case, Binns was found in contempt for violating several Bar rules. Models (including Marilyn Chambers) shot by Richard Fegley, and Playmate Review of 1975. Select this result to view Carol Elizabeth Benson's phone number, address, and more. (Case No. Margaret Benson, 63 Scott Benson, 21 Carol Lynn Kendall (survived) Find-A-Grave: Margaret Hitchcock Benson Find-A-Grave: Scott Benson . Schellentrager v. Tradesmans National Bank & Trust Co., 370 Pa. 501, 88 A.2d 773 (1952). Benson never spoke at his trial and never granted an interview in the almost 30 years he spent behind bars. Margaret Benson was 63 when she died in the blast. -- Scott Benson's natural mother and Margaret Benson's daughter -- got along better with her mother. She also demanded an accounting and the replacement of the trustees. District Court of Appeal of Florida, Second District. "I heard it on the news, and well . 2005 Alex Lifeson, lead guitarist for the rock band Rush, arrested New Year Eve in 2004 at Naples Ritz-Carlton after drunken skirmish with sheriffs deputies. Steven was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life in prison. It includes two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts and a stately clubhouse. On July 25, 1989, the trustees received a "disclaimer" signed by Kendall in which Carol Lynn Benson Kendall purported to disclaim her interest in the income, the 2% periodic payments and the principal of the Scott R. Benson Trust. The murder occurred at the Benson's Florida home in Naples. He wasnt particularly in your face but he always got to where he wanted to go.. It wasnt a firm, it was a family. Curtis Mills declined to speculate on a possible motive for the car bombing. And Steven obeyed them. Carol Lynn Benson Kendall, 2719 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 164, Hollywood, disbarred effective immediately, following a September 22 court order. Born in Miami in 1954, Berry received in bachelors degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1976 where he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He remained lifelong friends with many of his rugby teammates, according to his family. Investigators were eager to speak with Steven again but when they requested an interview, he refused, then hired one of the area's top defense attorneys. They confirmed someone had bought that end cap type days before the explosion, and staff provided police with both a description of the person and a receipt. People had suspicions as to why, after having two children of her own, all of a sudden Mrs. Benson adopts a third.. They had everything they wanted, yet often fought like banshees when they were together, according to the testimony of those who knew them. 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. . There, in the circular drive off White Violet Way in North Naples, crime- scene experts Wednesday continued attempts to piece together clues and determine a motive for the baffling car-bomb murder of millionaire heiress Margaret Benson and her 21-year-old son, Scott. We disagree. Get this The Anniston Star page for free from Sunday, June 7, 1987 7, 1987 Bloody family saga continues to unfold t Urattstott VV Star 'Alabama's largest home-owned newspaper' m By DAN SEWELL . The trial court entered the November 27, 1990, order which, inter alia, confirmed the account and directed the trustees to honor Kendall's "disclaimer," allowing Kendall's interest in the income and the 2% principal of the Scott R. Benson Trust to be paid to her sons. 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. Other family members and associates include . Borsch Estate, 362 Pa. 581, 67 A.2d 119 (1949). Carol Kendall was born on 07/08/1944 and is 78 years old. Two more Benson books are due out in June. Besides being stabbed in 1991,Benson had several disciplinary actions filed against him during the 30 years he spent in jail. Walter L. Mitchell, a senior chemist for the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, said . unless there's something we don't know about.". Encyclopedia of Women and Gender (2001). Then, when they were getting into the car, Caroline noted that Steven had made suggestions for where they should all sit. 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. The trustees have advanced no reasonable basis for attributing to the settlor's scheme, the division of the trust corpus made by them on November 27, 1985, following the death of Mrs. Benson. 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. Her lawyer, Wayne Kerr, testified that she spent at the rate of $1.5 million a year -- more than she could afford.