The tragic carjacking and killing of 90-year-old Navy veteran Nelson Beckett has prompted action from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Yesterday, Abbott announced via ABC13, a reward of up to $10,000 for information that would lead to an arrest in connection to Beckett’s death in southwest Houston. This sum is in addition to the up to $5,000 offered by Crime Stoppers, cumulating to a total of $15,000 for potential tipsters.
The harrowing incident occurred outside the Lone Star Living retirement community, on Saturday afternoon, where Beckett was engaged in conversation by an individual before he was beaten, shot, and run over with his car. The Houston Police Department is actively searching for clues and has urged the public for any information, despite not releasing a detailed description of the assailant as of yet, the Houston Chronicle reports.
"He was always an outgoing person until his very last day," Beckett's son, Tim, told ABC13. The family has expressed hope that the increased reward will lead to the capture of the perpetrator. The community has been pouring in support for the Beckett family as they struggle with the senseless loss of a loved one. According to Tim, they are thankful for the outpouring of support during this trying time.
Local residents have expressed concern and shock over the incident, with one neighbor, Kaitlyn, telling ABC13,"I did hear about that. I had no idea it was right next door to us. No way. I literally just read about that last night," Police records indicate that the area has seen at least 61 crime reports from January until the end of June this year, a troubling statistic for a neighborhood in need of a sense of safety and peace.
Those with information regarding Beckett's murder are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS or the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
