A McLoud area man who was accused two years ago in the fatal stabbing of his grandfather was found not guilty during a non-jury trial earlier this month.
A first-degree manslaughter charge was filed on May 28, 2019 in Lincoln County District Court against Thomas J. Beeson, who was then 18. He was charged with stabbing to death Tommie Joe Beeson, 69, of Jacktown, during an altercation.
Beeson is now 20 and will turn 21 on May 28.
Originally, District Judge Cindy Ashwood ordered him to be held without bond.
Court records show that on June 13, 2019, Special Judge Emily Mueller reduced Beeson’s bond to $200,000.
In September of 2019 before Associate District Judge Sheila Kirk, the state and the defendant waived the preliminary hearing.
On May 13, with Judge Ashwood presiding, the state, represented by Assistant District Attorney David Ball, advised that an amended information had been filed. But Judge Ashwood indicated that leave of court to file the amended information would not be granted.
Ball then further advised the state was not ready for trial, but Beeson and his attorney, Charles Thompson, announced they were. The court announced the case would be tried that day.
Testimony began, there were three witnesses sworn in during the non-jury trial, testimony was introduced, there was cross examination and re-direct examination.
Judge Ashwood stated she would allow arguments regarding one confession by itself and cause of death. Ball moved to reopen, that motion was denied by the Judge. Arguments were presented.
Judge Ashwood then stated, “The court does not find that evidence presented meets beyond a reasonable doubt and the defendant is found not guilty,” in dismissing the case.
The victim reportedly was stabbed three times, Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty said during the sheriff’s office investigation.
The sheriff said the fatal stabbing took place in Beeson’s travel trailer located on property at 335373 E. 1060 Road, south of Jacktown and about a mile west.