Edward Anthony Ward, a 68-year-old professor at St. Cloud State University, was tragically shot and killed on June 20, 2021, in what authorities described as a random act of violence. The incident occurred early in the morning, just after 6:15 a.m., at Ward's residence on the 2600 block of Island View Drive in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Ward was inside his home when he was shot by a man who was outside.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Ward succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Jason Robert Beckman from Duluth, Minnesota, was arrested less than an hour after the shooting on the 1200 block of Fourth Avenue South. Beckman was found in possession of a handgun and admitted to the shooting. According to the criminal complaint, Beckman had stolen a car in Waite Park earlier that morning and had driven to St. Cloud. After crashing the stolen vehicle near Ward's home, Beckman knocked on Ward's door seeking help. When Ward answered, Beckman shot him, allegedly believing Ward was someone who had previously threatened him.
Beckman had no prior connection to Ward or the St. Cloud area. He later told investigators that he had used controlled substances a few days before the incident and was experiencing delusions. Following his arrest, Beckman was charged with second-degree murder and other felonies. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 32 years and two months in prison.
