Fort Myers man accused of killing mother, burning her body in home, held without bond

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A Fort Myers man who, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, confessed to the shooting of his mother, then setting their home on fire, will be held without bond following his first court appearance.

George Beemer, 23, told detectives he killed his mother after years of built-up anger, then set the home, which was located on Ranchette Road, on fire because, in his words, "she wanted to be cremated." 

What first came in as a medical call quickly turned into a homicide investigation. 

According to the sheriff’s office, a 911 call from Beemer saying he was experiencing chest pains was reported on Saturday morning. After he was taken to the hospital, a second 911 call reported a fire at the same home.

When firefighters went inside, they found a severely burned woman dead in the kitchen. The arrest report says a friend told deputies Beemer admitted he killed his mother and set the house on fire.

Now charged with second-degree murder, first-degree arson, and abuse of a dead human body, Beemer appeared in court on Wednesday, where detectives revealed parts of their investigation. 

According to detectives, the medical examiner ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound and the manner of death a homicide. They added that two cats were found inside the home; one had died in the blaze, and the other survived. 

The detective then testified that Beemer and his mother, Elizabeth Beemer, argued frequently, adding that relatives' testimony indicates that George would destroy items in the home when angry.

However, they did not report to the detective any prior violence toward his mother. 

The prosecution argued that Beemer should not be released to the public, saying no release conditions would protect the public, ensure his appearance in court, or protect the integrity of the judicial process.  

While the defense argued that Beemer had very little criminal history, did not flee the scene, and called 911, the judge ruled that he should be held without bond.

Beemer’s arraignment is set for August 24 at 8:30 a.m.