Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective James Beckham was shot and killed in the 5400 block of NW 6th Court by a bootlegger he was going to arrest. He was seated in his police vehicle when he was struck with a shotgun blast in the chest and killed instantly. The 27-year-old suspect said he thought Detective Beckman was a returning member of a gang of hijackers who tried to steal his stash of liquor earlier. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to three months in jail. Detective Beckham had served with the Miami Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-7DE20CBB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Beckham gave the Miami Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Beckham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James Franklin Beckham is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 53.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Miami Police Department, 20 of 39 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 51.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Franklin Beckham's cause is highlighted.
How James Franklin Beckham Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Franklin Beckham is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Franklin Beckham was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
38 officers from Miami Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
