In a shocking and tragic incident that has left the Houston community reeling, 90-year-old Navy veteran Nelson Beckett was brutally murdered in a senseless carjacking outside his retirement home this past weekend.
The horrifying attack unfolded around noon on Saturday at the Lone Star Living assisted living complex. According to Houston police, Beckett, a beloved grandfather of five, was in the parking lot when an unidentified suspect approached him and launched a violent assault.
The perpetrator not only shot Beckett but then callously commandeered his car. In a grotesque twist, as the criminal fled the scene, he ran over Beckett with the very vehicle he had just stolen. Beckett was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Neighbors described the chilling scene, with one resident, Rod Boson, recounting hearing a single gunshot followed by the vehicle backing up and striking Beckett. “He had his little shopping cart and a scuffle ensued,” Boson told KHOU 11. “They say he put up a good fight. That’s when he got shot. As the suspect backed up, he hit [the victim].”
The brutality of the crime has shocked both the local community and law enforcement. Beckett’s family, including his son Tim Beckett and daughter Tami Freund, expressed their deep sorrow over the loss. Tim Beckett noted that his father leaves behind two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. “He loved big and loved his family so much,” Tami Freund told Fox 26. “To him, everyone had value, and he would do anything for anyone.”
Nelson Beckett was more than just a loving family man. A dedicated Navy veteran, Beckett also pursued higher education at Abilene Christian University and enjoyed a career in sales. His commitment to his community extended beyond his family; he was an active member of his church, known for his warmth and storytelling. “Nelson more than most people I know loved being with people,” said Steve Sargent, senior minister at Southwest Central Church of Christ. “He loved swapping stories, telling jokes and showing pictures.”
As the investigation continues, the suspect remains at large and is considered “armed and dangerous,” according to KPRC. Authorities discovered Beckett’s stolen car less than three miles away, abandoned at another apartment complex.
“This is … This is just, it’s pathetic as it gets,” Houston police Lt. Jonathan French remarked, reflecting the outrage and disbelief felt by the community.
This tragic event highlights the increasing concern over safety and crime in our communities, particularly affecting our most vulnerable citizens. As the search for the criminal continues, the community mourns the loss of a cherished veteran whose life was taken in an act of unthinkable violence.
