Claude McField, a 53-year-old Black male from Beaumont, Texas, was fatally shot in the early hours of June 16, 2021. Beaumont Police responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 2:46 a.m. in the 4400 block of Magnolia Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered McField lying in the middle of the roadway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Investigators gathered information from witnesses and described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 5'10" tall, with dreadlocks, wearing all-black clothing. Additionally, a black sedan, possibly a Honda, was seen leaving the area at high speed following the shooting. Authorities urged residents in the vicinity to review any surveillance footage recorded between 2 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. that morning, hoping to gather more evidence related to the crime.
McField was originally from Roatan, Honduras, but moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of three. He pursued his education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and became the first Executive Director of the African American Cultural Center, now known as the Clarence L. Barney, Jr. African American Cultural Center. He was deeply involved in student organizations, including the Student Government Association and the College Democrats. Throughout his career, McField was recognized as a seasoned fundraising professional, which allowed him to travel and reside in various parts of the country.
Following his tragic death, Beaumont Police reached out to the community for assistance in solving the case. They sought information about McField’s recent activities, his acquaintances, and any details that could aid in the investigation. Authorities encouraged individuals with relevant knowledge to contact the Beaumont Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made, and the suspect remained unidentified. The investigation continued as law enforcement worked to gather more evidence and locate those responsible for McField’s death.