Beranton J. Whisenant Jr., a 37-year-old African American male, was found dead on May 24, 2017, on a beach in Hollywood, Florida. Whisenant, who was a federal prosecutor working for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami, was discovered by a passerby early in the morning. His body was found fully clothed and partially submerged in the water. Initial reports indicated that he had suffered possible head trauma, leading to speculation about the cause of his death.
Whisenant's death prompted an
investigation by the Hollywood Police Department. Early on, there was uncertainty about whether his death was a result of homicide, suicide, or an accident. The investigation revealed that Whisenant had been handling several visa and passport fraud cases at the time of his death. This led to further speculation about potential foul play, given the nature of his work in the major crimes unit.
However, after a thorough investigation, the Hollywood Police Department and the medical examiner concluded that Beranton J. Whisenant Jr.'s death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This conclusion was reached after examining the evidence and conducting an autopsy. Despite initial suspicions and the high-profile nature of his job, no arrests were made, and no suspects were identified in connection with his death. The case was ultimately ruled a suicide, and there were no further litigations or murder investigations related to his passing.
Whisenant's death was a tragic event that left his family, colleagues, and the legal community in shock. He was remembered as a dedicated lawyer and a loving father of three children. His colleagues at the U.S. Attorney's Office described him as a great lawyer and a wonderful colleague, highlighting the loss felt by those who knew him.
