The body of a black Florida prosecutor was found on a Hollywood beach earlier this year. It was reported that the deceased man was identified as 37-year-old James Beranton Whisenant Jr., who authorities said might have suffered a head wound caused by a gun shot or other type of trauma. While his death was originally investigated as a crime, it has now been ruled a suicide. 

Detectives and the city medical examiner’s office concluded that Whisenant died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Whisenant, who was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami, had his body discovered near the edge of the water on May 24th. Initially, the Miami Herald reported that foul play was suspected.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office family was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Beranton’s death,” Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin Greenberg said after Whisenant’s passing. “He was a great lawyer and wonderful colleague, and we will miss him deeply. Our thoughts are with Beranton’s family and friends.”

Whisenant joined the U.S. attorney’s office earlier this year and worked in the major crimes section as well as taught a paralegal program at University of Miami. He had also volunteered for the Florida Bar and planned to become a judge. Whisenant lived in Miramar with his wife, Ebony, a physician who teaches at Florida International University’s College of Medicine. They are parents of three children.

This is extremely sad and still a bit suspicious. However, our hope is that his wife and family can have the peace and comfort that they need during this time.