Victims identified in now deemed ‘suspicious’ Coventry shooting

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — Coventry police on Wednesday identified the victims in what they’re now calling a “suspicious” shooting.

The incident happened just before 3 p.m. Tuesday on Mulberry Court.

Police said that when they arrived, they found 60-year-old Linda Beckman and 61-year-old James Beckman.

Chief Frederick Heise III said Linda was dead at the scene and James was taken to Kent County Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. He was later transferred to Rhode Island Hospital, where he’s in critical condition.

Heise said two family dogs at the home were also found dead.

Police initially called the shooting “accidental.”

Cranston Fire Chief James Warren confirmed that James was a retired deputy fire chief in Cranston.

Heise said this was an isolated incident and there’s no threat to the public.