Ex-Cranston Deputy Fire Chief Who Shot, Killed Wife, 2 Dogs, Self Dies: Coventry Police

COVENTRY, RI — James Beckman, a former deputy fire chief in Cranston, died Sunday at Rhode Island Hospital. Police said on Tuesday, he shot and killed his wife and their two dogs during domestic incident at their Coventry home. He then turned the gun on himself.

"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 James was responsible for her death, along with the death of the two dogs," Coventry Police Chief Fredrick Heise said in a news release.

Around 2:49 p.m., Coventry police and firefighters were called to the Beckmans' home on Mulberry Court for a report of a shooting. Police said James Beckman, 60, called 911 to report the shooting. While on their way to the home, police said a neighbor called 911 and said James Beckman called them to say the shooting was "accidental."

Officers arrived on scene moments later and found Linda Beckman, 60, and the two family dogs dead with gunshot wounds, police said. Police said they also found James Beckman with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The gun James Beckman uses was also recovered inside the home, according to police.

Emergency officials brought James Beckman to Kent Hospital in Warwick and later to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. James Beckman succumbed to his injuries at Rhode Island Hospital five days later.

"The Coventry Police Department wishes to offer their condolences to the Beckman family during this very difficult time," Heise said.