Bail of $2.25 million has been set for a National City man suspected of killing a man who vanished shortly before Thanksgiving and is now believed to be dead.
Brian Eleron Hancock, 47, pleaded not guilty last week in San Diego Superior Court to the murder of Peter Bentz, 68, who was last seen alive on Nov. 19, 2017 at Dog Beach. Bentz lived in Ocean Beach.
Bentz was expected to travel to San Pedro to visit family for Thanksgiving but never arrived. Relatives called police, and officials made a missing person announcement with his photo distributed to local media.
San Diego Police announced last week Hancock was charged with killing Bentz, but did not give any details other than they believed Bentz was dead.
“The investigation is continuing,” said Deputy District Attorney Genaro Ramirez on June 15.
Ramirez referred a reporter to San Diego Police for any further information. The press release says if anyone had any information about Bentz or Hancock to call them at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
One television news station said in a report that Bentz’ body has not been found. This could not be confirmed.
Hancock was arrested Jan. 23 on another case involving child endangerment. He was later charged in a separate case of possession and transportation of controlled substances.
Hancock was re-arrested while in the Vista Detention Facility last week. A judge set a status conference for July 12 and a preliminary hearing date will then be set, said Ramirez.
The police press release said detectives “conducted an extensive investigation, but were unable to locate Peter.” It added this: “Developments led investigators to classify the case a homicide.”
A judge set bail for the murder at $2 million, and the remaining $25,000 bail is for the other two cases.
