Florida authorities have taken a man into custody following a harrowing 911 call in which he admitted to shooting and killing his husband. The Boynton Beach Police Department responded to the distressing incident on Tuesday evening, after 66-year-old Benjamin Renwick managed to call emergency services. The dispatcher reportedly heard only moaning and a single gunshot before the line went silent.
Minutes later, another call came in from George Bereska Jr., Renwick’s husband, who confessed to the dispatcher that the two had been in a “very bad argument,” during which he shot Renwick in the chest. Despite the dispatcher’s attempts to guide Bereska in providing aid, he coldly responded, “He’s dead.”
Upon arriving at the scene, police found evidence that corroborated Bereska’s confession. Shell casings and a Taurus firearm were found on the dining room table, but there were no signs of a physical struggle. Bereska, who claimed to have been in a “blackout” since 6 p.m. due to intoxication, was found to be neither visibly intoxicated nor injured, raising further questions about the circumstances leading to the tragic shooting.
Bereska’s past also casts a shadow over the current charges. He had previously been convicted in Maryland for a sexual offense involving a minor in 1995, after a grand jury indicted him for second-degree sexual assault. Bereska ultimately pled down to a third-degree sexual offense. This prior conviction may play a role in the legal proceedings following his arrest.
Friends and acquaintances of the couple have expressed shock at the incident. Julie Aldrich, a friend of both men, stated she was in “total shock” upon hearing the news. Members of the American Legion, where the couple was actively involved, were similarly stunned. John Harvey, a fellow Legion member, described Renwick as “just a really good guy,” adding that he had once thought the same of Bereska.
The case has drawn attention to the issue of domestic violence within LGBTQ relationships, a topic that remains under-discussed despite its prevalence. Authorities are urging anyone affected by domestic violence to seek help, highlighting available resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
As the investigation continues, Bereska faces serious charges, with the community reeling from the loss of a well-regarded member. The case serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence within intimate partnerships, and the lasting impact such tragedies have on those left behind.
