HOUSTON — The family of a 90-year-old man who was killed in an apparent carjacking shared more about his life Sunday.
It happened just after noon outside the Lone Star Living assisted living complex off Westbrae Parkway, which is near the intersection of South Gessner Road and West Bellfort Avenue.
A neighbor said he heard a single gunshot during an argument followed by the sound of a vehicle leaving the scene.
Rod Boson lives next door to the assisted living facility and said he was in his backyard when the fatal confrontation take place. Boson said he believed the neighbor who was killed, who family identified as Nelson Beckett, was a veteran who was either coming from or going to shop.
"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 son and daughter on Sunday shared a statement with KHOU 11 News:
"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.
"He served in the Navy, not during active war," his son Tim Beckett said
"He was the kindest, funniest man you’d ever meet. He loved meeting people and greeted them all with jokes and his famous business card, which said 'my card.' He loved to make someone laugh and brighten their day. To him, everyone had value. He spent his days driving people places who did not have a car. Driving them to doctors appointments, FEMA, rehab, stores, etc., wherever they needed to go. He would drive some friends from a halfway house to panhandle and take them to church on Sundays. He even baptized several of them. He would do anything for anyone. He loved big and loved his family so much," Beckett's daughter added.
Investigators said the man hit Beckett with the car, which was described as being a white sedan. They said they were searching for is killer.
Boson said he heard residents and maintenance crews at the apartment complex mourning Beckett's death.
"Kind, friendly gentleman -- always smiling to everybody. You know, it’s a shame what happened. It’s a retirement community. It’s a shame they look at them as easy targets," Boson said.
Police said Beckett's car was found at an apartment complex on Dunlap Street, less than three miles from where the shooting happened.
A $15,000 reward is being offered. Tipsters should call Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.