Archive - 2009
Homicide #2009-01
Date - 2009-01-11
Victim - Beauchamp, Shawn (26)
Accused - Head, Joseph Burnell (20); Male Youth (17)
Charge - 2nd Degree Murder; Warrant for Arrest
On January 11, 2009 shortly before 2:00am, 26 year old, Shawn Beauchamp was walking with some friends in the area of St. John's Avenue and Charles Street, not far from Redwood Avenue where he lived with an Aunt since being released from prison.
Beauchamp had only been out of prison for a short time, on statutory release after serving a 40 month sentence for a home invasion. His sentence was to expire on January 31st.
A relative said Beauchamp, the father of a now six year old girl, was trying to escape the lifestyle of the streets and had recently found work unloading delivery trucks.
Beauchamp and his friends were approached by at least two people, possibly rival gang members. Reports say he was pepper sprayed and then shot in the abdomen.
Police were called to the scene at approximately 2:00am and rushed Beauchamp to the hospital where he later died of his injury. There were reported shots of gunfire in the area but police were not sure if he was shot on the street or elsewhere before making it to the intersection where he was found.
Beauchamp was no stranger to violence. According to a CBC article, his cousin Jennifer Beauchamp said in 2007 he was attacked and stabbed on a downtown bridge while briefly out of prison. He ended up in the hospital in critical condition.
On May 28th, 2009, 20 year old, Joseph Burnell Head, was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder for the shooting. A warrant is out for the arrest of a 17 year old suspect who is believed to be the one who pepper sprayed Beauchamp. His identity is known but cannot be released due to his age at the time of the killing. He is described as, 17 years old, 5’8”, possibly aboriginal, thin build and short brown hair.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 786-8477.