A 90-year-old veteran was killed after he was shot — and then run over with his own car — during a violent carjacking outside a Houston retirement home over the weekend.
Nelson Beckett was in the parking lot of the Lone Star Living assisted living complex on Westbrae Parkway around noon Saturday when the suspect, a man in his late 20s approached and struck up a conversation, according to Houston Police.
According to investigators, the perp shot Beckett and then jumped into his car. As he fled in Beckett’s car, he run him over.
The veteran was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A neighbour who lives close to the facility said he believed Beckett was either coming from or going to shopping.
“He had his little shopping cart and a scuffle ensued. They say he put up a good fight. That’s when he got shot. As the suspect backed up, he hit (the victim),” Boson said.
Beckett’s car was found abandoned at an apartment complex less than three miles away.
Tim Beckett, a son of the deceased, said in a statement that his father leaves behind two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
He said he attended Abilene Christian University and served in the Navy, although he never saw combat.
After the Navy, Beckett worked in sales and played an active role in Southwest Central Church of Christ, where his son said he once served as an elder.
“My dad, Nelson Beckett, was 90 years old, a father of two. Navy veteran. Graduate of (what is now) Abilene Christian University. Was raised & married his wife in Oklahoma City, then moved to Houston in the early 1960s with her and their two children who attended HISD schools (including Sharpstown HS). In addition, he was a grandfather of five, and had six great-grandchildren (and one on the way). He was interested in helping those less fortunate than himself. Had been very active in his church for decades.” the Beckett’s said in a statement.
