A family in Alaska is grieving the tragic loss of their 22-year-old son, Steven Williams, who was shot and killed while working at a Speedway Express gas station on Monday. The suspected shooter, Isaac Beshaw, also 22, was arraigned on Tuesday afternoon.
Steven’s parents, Donald and Tanya Williams, spoke to Alaska’s News Source about their devastation following their son’s death. “We didn’t want to believe it was true,” Donald said. Tanya added, “Still can’t believe it’s true.” They described Steven as a kind-hearted young man who always offered help to others and was just beginning his adult life.
Donald expressed disbelief and a desperate need for answers. “I want to know why,” he said. “Honestly, there’s no reason for it, but I want to know why.” According to police, Steven was found behind the counter of the gas station with multiple gunshot wounds.
Nine bullet casings were discovered at the scene. Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment when the masked suspect entered the store just after 12:30 a.m. and shot Steven multiple times. Beshaw was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Authorities located Beshaw around 2 a.m. near his apartment complex, where he initially claimed he noticed increased police activity at the gas station and decided to return home to avoid the scene. However, by 3 a.m., Beshaw reportedly confessed to the murder, admitting he had planned the attack after a long-standing feud with Steven.
In his written confession, Beshaw claimed the feud had been fueled by rumors and indirect threats from Steven, which led him to “end the drama” by taking Steven’s life. Prosecutors described the shooting as premeditated during Beshaw’s virtual arraignment on Tuesday.
“It doesn’t go much higher than that,” the judge remarked, referring to the severity of the crime. As the legal proceedings begin, Steven’s family continues to seek answers and justice for their son’s senseless death, while the community mourns the loss of a young man whose life was tragically cut short.