Joshua S Beebee, 31

Omaha, Nebraska
May 20, 2016

Agencies: Omaha Police Department Nebraska

Cause of death: Shooting

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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

31-year-old Joshua Beebee was shot seven times by an officer in northwest Omaha. He died of his injuries.

Capt. Scott Gray says officers were responding to a call about a man with a knife a little before 9:45 a.m. Friday. 

Police say officers chased Beebee through an open field and one officer drove his cruiser through the field to cut off Beebee’s path.

As the officer was getting out of his car, Beebee charged toward him with a knife in his hand.

Police say the officer fired his gun seven times in close range to the man.

In a news release, the Omaha Police Department said video recorded by officers and witnesses justified the shooting.

Family members disagree, saying Joshua Beebee needed help.

“This is no just killing. This was murder,” said Jewel Lykens, the man’s sister. “Seven times in the middle of an empty field. Over a kitchen knife.”

Lykens said she can’t see her brother as a threat, because when she looks at photos of her younger brother, she sees a father of three children, a musician, and a man who could make anyone laugh.

“It’s just unbelievable how can somebody so precious be taken away,” Lykens said.