Derek R. Becker, a 21-year-old male student-athlete at Keiser University, tragically lost his life on December 20, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Derek, who was a standout baseball player, was found dead in his apartment on the 4200 block of Community Drive, just north of the Keiser campus. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound, and his death is being investigated as a homicide. Derek was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after police arrived at around 12:30 a.m.
on that fateful Sunday.
Derek Becker was remembered fondly by his coaches and peers. He hailed from Cohoes, New York, and had transferred to Keiser University after playing baseball at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. His high school athletic director described him as an extremely hard worker, the ultimate competitor, and a fantastic athlete. The Keiser University community was deeply affected by his death, with grief counselors made available to students and staff. The university also planned to honor Derek during the upcoming baseball season.
The investigation into Derek's death revealed that robbery might have been a motive, as items valued at $175 were reported stolen from his apartment. A second individual was present at the time of the shooting but was unharmed. Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made, and the police have not released many details about the circumstances leading up to the incident. The West Palm Beach Police Department has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Derek's killer. They continue to urge anyone with information to come forward to help solve this tragic case.
