ST. CLOUD, Minn. — A Duluth man pleaded guiltyto fatally shooting a St. Cloud State University professor at the prof’s front door in June. Jason Beckman, 45, accepted the charge of second-degree murder with intent without pre-meditation. A felony theft charge and a felony gun possession charge were dismissed. Beckman has claimed to be a drug addict diagnosed with post-traumatic syndrome, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and manic depressive disorder.
A June 20 day trip
The shooting ended a day-long odyssey that began in Duluth. According to the criminal complaint:
> Beckman borrowed a pickup in Duluth to drive to southwest Minnesota to either collect some tools or see family.
> Some 140 miles later he got lost in Waite Park, a suburb of St. Cloud.
> The truck broke down. Beckman sthen tole a running car and drove off.
> Again he became lost and ended up driving down Island View Drive. He swerved to avoid a downed tree branch and crashed the car.
> He went to the door of professor Ed Ward’s house on Island View Drive and knocked.
> Ward answered, Ward tried to slam the door shut. Beckman shot him in the chest and abdomen..
> Beckman fled on foot north on the Beaver Island Trail.
> A St. Cloud State campus security guard spotted Beckman near Halenbeck gym and called police, who arrested Beckman.
> Officers recovered a.45-caliber handgun and later bullets and casings at Ward’s home. The gun had previously been stolen in Red Wing.
> Ward was rushed hospital where he died.
> Police found drugs, drug paraphernalia, and additional ammunition in Ward’s stolen car.
Beckman. Claims mental issues.
Ward. Age 68. At St. Cloud State 30-plus years. Taugth business management and entrepreneurship. Described as a”gentle, quiet and intelligent man.”