Police rule Rhode Island husband that died from injuries shot and killed his wife, two dogs

Following an extensive investigation, in coordination with the Medical Examiner’s Office, Coventry Detectives are now able to rule that Linda Beckman died as a victim of Domestic – Homicide, in which her husband was responsible for her death, along with the death of the two dogs.

According to Captain Benjamin Witt, on Tuesday just after 2:45 p.m., Coventry Police and Fire Departments responded to Mulberry Court for a reported accidental shooting.

Responding officers located Linda Beckman of Mulberry Court who was later pronounced deceased on scene by Coventry Firefighters.

Officers also located 61-year-old James Beckman, also of Mulberry Court, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to Kent Hospital in critical condition and later to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Beckman was a retired Cranston Deputy Fire Chief.

Additionally, two family dogs at the residence were also found with fatal gunshot wounds.

The handgun used in the incident was recovered from the scene.

Judith Earle, Executive Director, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, and Lucy Rios, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the domestic violence homicide of Linda Beckman, a 60-year-old Coventry community member who was shot and killed by her husband, 61-year-old James Beckman. Linda was beloved by her family, friends, and neighbors. She had a full life, passions, and aspirations, all cut short by gun violence. Tragically, this is the third domestic violence homicide to occur in Rhode Island this year. All three of the deaths involved a victim over the age of 60.

“The murder of Linda Beckman was a preventable gun death that impacts not only those who loved Linda, but her neighbors and community as well. Between 2016 and 2020, 42% of the domestic violence homicides that happened in Rhode Island involved a firearm. Having a gun in the house increases the likelihood that a domestic violence homicide will occur by five-fold. This is why limiting access to firearms, especially for abusers, saves lives. The RICADV is committed to advocating for commonsense gun safety laws that will reduce the plague of gun violence in our communities and across the nation, including domestic abuse gun violence.

“The shock that community members often feel in response to lethal domestic violence reminds us that misconceptions about abuse are still prevalent. Domestic violence can be perpetrated by an abusive partner regardless of their profession, socioeconomic status, age, or whether there is a documented history of violence. Victims of abuse may be suffering in silence behind closed doors. We must continue to raise awareness about the dynamics of abuse, services available for victims, and steps each of us can take to respond to and prevent domestic violence in our communities.

“Our communities in Rhode Island are not immune to violence. This speaks to the importance of developing stronger, better-connected communities, where we know and support each other. As individuals, as communities, and as a state, we all have a role and responsibility to play in building a society free from domestic violence, a society where our community members can thrive.

“The RICADV network of member agencies includes court advocates that can assist victims in applying for restraining orders, which can help to disarm violent abusers who have access to guns. To find a listing of member agencies or to be put in contact with one in your area, call the Rhode Island statewide Helpline for 24-hour support and information at 800-494-8100 or visit us online at www.ricadv.org.”