[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO RENAN BECKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2000

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, today I commemorate the life of Dr. Renan 
Beckman, who on February 29, 2000, died of multiple gun shot wounds at 
the age of 45. I had the bittersweet pleasure of meeting Renan's mother 
and children, who were here in Washington, DC for the Million Mom 
March.
  As a young woman, Renan was a model student, graduating Phi Beta 
Kappa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before receiving 
her medical degree from Johns Hopkins Medical School. After completing 
her education, Renam married Robert Wills. She was a loving mother to 
two children, while at the same time she worked as an anesthesiologist 
and primary care physician at Calkins Health Commons in Henrietta, New 
York.
  Sadly Renan and her husband began having marital difficulties, and 
they moved toward divorcing. Dr. Robert Wills, who had no criminal 
record, purchased a 12-gauge shotgun on February 7 from a local 
sporting goods store. On February 29, Renan called 911 and in response 
to the operator's questioning said, ``No, there is no gun in the 
house.'' Renan died three minutes later of multiple shot gun blasts 
fired at close range by her husband.
  This kind of domestic violence is unfortunately not unique in my 
district or elsewhere in our country. However, Renan's death also 
highlights the fact that domestic violence can cross all class, race, 
and age boundaries. I hope Renan's death will serve as an inspiration 
to us all on why further gun control is needed in this country.
  The unexpected passing of Renan Beckman has left a void in her family 
and the community. We will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers 
are with her family and all her friends. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I 
ask that you join me in paying tribute to the life of Renan Beckman.

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