HOUSTON — There’s now a $15,000 reward being offered in the fatal shooting of a 90-year-old Navy veteran during a carjacking in southwest Houston over the weekend.
According to police, Nelson Beckett was shot and killed on Saturday outside an assisted living apartment complex off Westbrae Parkway, which is near the intersection of South Gessner and West Bellfort.
Investigators said a suspect shot Beckett, took his car and ran over Beckett with it as he sped away.
Beckett’s car was found less than three miles away from the shooting scene.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 in the case. On Monday afternoon, Gov. Abbott said the state’s Public Safety Office was offering an additional reward of $10,000.
“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened to hear of the murder of 90-year-old Navy veteran Nelson Beckett in Houston,” Governor Abbott said in a release sent out Monday. “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.”
"Cases like this have a tendency to galvanize the entire city, the entire county, the entire state," said Andy Kahan with Houston Crime Stoppers. "At the age of 90, he was contributing to the community and trying to help people in the best way you possibly can and have your life end in this fashion not on our watch."
Kahan said a reward can make all the difference when details on a suspect are limited.
"Hopefully now they'll have the courage and the fortitude to step up to the plate now knowing that there's a reward up to $15,000," he said.
How to report tips
There are two ways to submit tips to be eligible for the $15,000 reward.
You can call Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or you can submit a tip line through the Texas Department of Public Safety.