Mother of
Ben Novack Jr.. Initially thought to have died from an accidental fall, investigation later determined she was the victim of a murder for hire arranged by her daughter-in-law
Narcy Novack. Ben was bludgeoned to death by men hired by Narcy 10 weeks later after Bernice died. Narcy and her brother
Cristobal Veliz, who paid Bernice's and Ben's killers, were sentenced to life in prison in 2012. Prosecutors alleged that Narcy was afraid that Ben would leave her for his mistress, and their prenuptial agreement would only leave her $65,000 in a divorce, and the bulk of his estate to Bernice. Narcy claimed that the murders were orchestrated by her daughter,
May Abad.