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, calling the crime "atrocious."
Kyliel Denzel Arceneaux, 21, is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Nelson Beckett on Saturday outside an assisted living apartment complex off Westbrae Parkway in southwest Houston.
A prosecutor said Arceneaux confessed that he thought Beckett would be easy prey because he was using a walker so he didn't think he would fight back.
“The defendant struck the complainant several times with his firearm before shooting him fatally and then continued to strike him after that, before robbing him, taking the keys to his car – and once inside the car, the defendant then drove the vehicle over the complainant’s body," Assistant District Attorney Chandler Raine said during the hearing.
Beckett died from a gunshot wound to his lung and trauma from being run over by the car, according to the judge.
"As you can imagine our heart just breaks for this family," 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.
He 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 but the judge denied the request.
Beckett’s car was found less than three miles away from where the shooting happened. Prosecutors said surveillance video showed Arceneaux trying to wipe his fingerprints off of the stolen car and also throwing away the bloody shirt he wore the day of the shooting.
Beckett's family told us he often used that car to drive friends to the doctor, FEMA appointments, rehab or anywhere else they needed.
Tim Beckett, the victim's son, told us on Wednesday that 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."
He drove to Houston this week to lay his father to rest on Monday.