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Incident
Deputy "Beefy" Lawson was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a suspect. Deputy Lawson was off duty, but at the request of the suspect's estranged wife, he reported onto duty and went to arrest the man. The suspect had been arrested by Deputy Lawson on several previous occasions. After shooting Deputy Lawson, the man took his two young children hostage for 18 hours before he was taken into custody. The 27-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in January 2016 and again in January 2021. As of April 4, 2023, he was in prison. Deputy Lawson had been with the Itasca County Sheriff's Office for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and seven children. Two of his sons went on to serve as officers with Itasca County. His name lives on through the Beefy Lawson Memorial Fund, which has given more than $250,000 to youth recreation projects in the area.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Lawson gave the Itasca County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Grand Rapids community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lawson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Itasca County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 3 officers in MN were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 51. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Robert had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Robert was 51. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.2% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Itasca County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Itasca County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Itasca County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
