On Sunday, the 90-year-old man’s relatives revealed new details about his life, following his apparent carjacking death.
It happened just after midday outside the senior living facility Lone Star Living, located off Westbrae Parkway, close to the intersection of West Bellfort Avenue and South Gessner Road.
During an argument, a neighbor reported hearing a single gunshot and then the sound of a vehicle leaving the site.
Living next door to the assisted living facility is Rod Boson, who claims to have been in his backyard throughout the fatal altercation. Boson stated that he thought the deceased neighbor, Nelson Beckett, was a veteran who was either on his way to or from the store.
“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 stated.
Right now: neighbors say they found a man dead in the parking lot of an assisted living complex off of Westbrae Pakrway. They overheard an argument, then a gunshot and a car fleeing the scene. HPD is investigating. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/NgFneqBvs2
— Troy Kless (@TroyKlessTV) August 31, 2024
The son and daughter of Beckett released a statement on Sunday.
“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 had a desire to assist others who were not as fortunate as he was. had spent decades becoming quite involved in his church.
“He served in the Navy, not during active war,” his son Tim Beckett stated.
You would never have met a nicer or funnier man than him. He enjoyed joking with new people and showing them his well-known “my card” business card. He cherished giving someone a good chuckle and making their day. Everyone was valuable to him. He drove folks who didn’t own cars around all day.
Taking them to stores, FEMA, rehab centers, doctor’s appointments, and other locations as needed. On Sundays, he would pick up some friends from a halfway house, drive them to panhandle, and take them to church. In fact, he baptized multiple of them. For anyone, he would go to any lengths. He was a tremendous lover and cherished his family,” Beckett’s daughter continued.
The man struck Beckett with the automobile, which was described as a white sedan, according to investigators. They claimed to be looking for his killer.
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Boson reported that he overheard the apartment complex’s maintenance staff and inhabitants lamenting Beckett’s passing.
“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 stated.
Less than three miles away from the scene of the incident, according to the police, Beckett’s automobile was discovered at an apartment building on Dunlap Street.
There’s a reward of $15,000. Callers should dial 713-222-TIPS for Houston Crime Stoppers or 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) for Texas Crime Stoppers.
