HOUSTON — A judge on Thursday set bond at more than $7 million for the man accused of killing and carjacking a 90-year-old Navy veteran over the weekend.
Kyliel Denzel Arceneaux, 21, faces several charges, including capital murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.
Arceneaux is accused of shooting and killing Nelson Beckett on Saturday outside an assisted living apartment complex off Westbrae Parkway in southwest Houston. Police said after he pistol-whipped and shot the victim, Arceneaux took his car and ran Beckett over as he sped away.
"As you can imagine our heart just breaks for this family," Harris County Assistant District Attorney Chandler Raine said. "There’s no reason that this family shouldn’t have their loved one with them today."
According to court documents, Arceneaux also threatened two people who were trying to help Beckett.
Beckett died as a result of a gunshot wound to his lung and trauma from being run over by the car, according to the judge.
Arceneaux was out on bond when this incident occurred. He was awaiting trial for an evading arrest charge from 2022.
His defense attorney requested a lower bond since Arceneaux did not have a violent criminal history. The judge denied that request.
Tim Beckett said Wednesday the family is relieved to know the accused gunman is in custody.
"We're glad to hear he was captured," Beckett said. “We’re very thankful that there’s been a lot of support, it doesn’t bring him back but we are thankful for the support, from those who contributed to finding the culprit."
Beckett’s car was found less than three miles away from where the shooting happened. Arceneaux allegedly tried to wipe his fingerprints off of the stolen car and throw away the bloody shirt he wore the day of the shooting.
A $15,000 reward was offered in the case but it was HPD and the Texas DPS's Criminal Intelligence Division that identified Arceneaux as the suspect. He was arrested on Tuesday.
Remembering 90-year-old Nelson Beckett
Tim Beckett drove to Houston from Fort Worth on Wednesday to prepare to lay his father to rest on Monday.
“We’re proud of him, we’re proud that he always had a loving heart and served people all the way to the end," Beckett told us.
Longtime neighbors Ronald and Robin Patterson also remember Beckett for his kindness.
“He helped a lot of people around here. A lot of the times if people need a ride or something to the store, he’d be there and help them,” Ronald told us.
“He looked out for our home when he would go on vacation. He stepped up when my mom passed, my brother passed, he was always there,” Robin said.
Along with his son and daughter, Beckett is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with another on the way.
