Edward James Bennis, 26, was shot and killed on February 2, 2024, outside Norton's Riverside Bar and Grill in Crystal River, Florida. Bennis, who worked at the bar, stepped in to try to de-escalate a dispute between patron Gabriel Hugh Trainor, 24, and another person. After the confrontation moved to the front patio, Trainor left, returned to his vehicle, and minutes later Bennis went outside and continued to engage him. Trainor then armed himself with a handgun and shot Bennis multiple times. Deputies performed lifesaving efforts but Bennis died at the scene; Trainor was standing over him when officers arrived and was arrested there, charged with second-degree murder and held without bond.

Friends and family remembered Bennis as hardworking, genuine, and protective; his sister Bailey Ziegler called him her best friend, and coworkers noted he stayed late to help close the bar. The sheriff condemned the shooting and said the office will work with judicial partners to pursue justice. If anyone witnessed the events that night or has information about the shooting, please come forward.