The person who, shot, carjacked, and then murdered 90-year old Houston Navy veteran Nelson Beckett is still on the run, and now Texas Governor Greg Abbott is getting involved.
On Monday the Governor announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened to hear of the murder of 90-year-old Navy veteran Nelson Beckett in Houston,” said Governor Abbott. “Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones, and the entire Houston community during this difficult time. Texas is already working with our local partners and providing full support in bringing this criminal to justice. I encourage anyone with information relating to this terrible crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. Texas will always support the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation’s military, and with the public’s help we will capture the murderer and put them behind bars.”
In addition to the state reward, Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering $5,000, bringing the total reward amount to $15,000.
Beckett was shot and killed with his own car during a carjacking in Southwest Houston Saturday. Beckett, who has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
“I heard one gunshot and when I looked out the window, I had saw a whole bunch of police in the parking lot,” said a witness to our TV partner Channel Two.
First responders performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at a hospital.
“I heard arguing, men arguing. And next thing I know, I heard a gunshot. So, I ducked back into my garage,” said Rod Bosson, who lives next to the apartment complex. “He’s laying on the ground, a little shopping cart next to him like he was getting ready to go shopping.”
Police have found the car, but have no other leads on who the bad guy is.
“This is... This is just, it’s pathetic as it gets. That’s all I’ll say,” said Lt. Jonathan French with the Houston Police Department.