On a spring day in Coventry, Rhode Island, the quiet of a Mulberry Court home was shattered by violence. On April 11, 2023, 60-year-old Linda Beckman, a White female, was found deceased in her residence, the victim of a fatal shooting. Her husband, James Beckman, 61, initially called 911 to report what he claimed was an accidental shooting. However, when police arrived, they discovered a grim scene that suggested a far more deliberate act.
Inside the home, authorities found Linda Beckman
and the couple's two dogs, all of whom had been shot to death. James Beckman was also present, suffering from what was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. While the initial report to a neighbor and to the police was of an accident, the investigation swiftly uncovered a darker reality.
Detectives from the Coventry Police Department, in conjunction with the medical examiner's office, concluded that the incident was a domestic homicide. Their investigation revealed that James Beckman, a retired deputy fire chief from Cranston, had intentionally shot and killed his wife and their two beloved dogs before turning the gun on himself. Five days after the shooting, on April 16, 2023, James Beckman succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. His death closed the case, as he was identified as the sole suspect in the murder of his wife. The tragic event marked the third domestic violence homicide in Rhode Island that year, prompting conversations among advocacy groups about the devastating intersection of domestic abuse and access to firearms.
Linda was remembered as a vibrant and cherished individual, a loving wife and mother to two sons. Those who knew her recalled her passion for gardening and fashion, and her generous spirit, which was evident in her volunteer work, helping to feed those in need on Thanksgiving. A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, she was described as the biggest personality in the room, fiercely loyal, and hilariously funny. Her love for her two German Shepherds, Bella and Roxy, was well-known, making their deaths alongside hers all the more heartbreaking for those who knew the family.
