Betty Brant Leeds

Death of Bennett - Amazing Spider-Man #11

by Steve Ditko, 1964

When Doctor Octopus is released from prison, he's picked up by Betty Brant and driven to Philadelphia to the apartment of her brother Bennett. Bennett explains that his client, Blackie Gaxton, is willing to pay Doctor Octopus to break him out of jail. Doctor Octopus accepts the offer and completes his half of the bargain.

Doctor Octopus brings Blackie to a dingy tramp steamer where Blackie's gang are waiting with the Brants. Spider-Man follows and during the fight with Blackie and his gang, Bennett is struck and killed by a stray bullet from Blackie's gun.

Later, Betty confesses to Peter that she does not hold Spider-Man responsible for her brother's death, but that she never wants to see the web-swinger again. Seeing him would only remind her of her brother, and she couldn't bear the grief. Betty's brother death convinces Peter that he can never reveal his secret identity to Betty. His secret will always stand in the way of his and Betty's relationship.