911 tapes released of teenager accused of murdering his father
WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A 17-year-old accused of murdering his father now faces charges of first degree murder, and authorities have released the 911 tape.
On Easter Sunday, 17-year-old Jason Beckman shot his father, South Miami Commissioner Jay Beckman, 53.
Miami-Dade Police said Jason claimed that the shotgun went off accidentally while he was showing the gun to his father, who was taking a shower.
Police initially charged the 17-year-old with manslaughter, but a grand jury indicted him on the more serious charge of first degree murder.
There was an argument on whether or not the 911 tapes, interviews with teachers and friends and pictures from inside the scene would be released.
Shortly after the shooting, Jason told the 911 operator, "Well, I accidentally shot my father, right. He was taking a bath, and he was gonna show me how to use the gun, so we could go hunting, you know, this summer ... I was showing him that I had accidentally pulled the trigger. I don't know what happened. I thought the safety switch was on. Please help me."
Relatives and defense attorneys said that Jason has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which is a form of autism.
Jason goes on trial in January.
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