Family mourns 22-year-old son killed in Alaska gas station shooting, suspect brought to trial

An Alaska family is mourning 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 despair after their son's death. “We didn't want to believe it was true,” Donald said. Tanya added, “I still can't believe it.” They described Steven as a kind-hearted young man who was always helping others and was just starting his adult life.

Donald expressed his disbelief and 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 shell casings were discovered at the crime scene. Surveillance footage captured the terrifying moment when the masked suspect entered the store shortly 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 found Beshaw around 2 a.m. near his apartment complex, where he initially claimed to have noticed an increased police presence at the gas station and decided to return home to avoid the crime scene. At 3 a.m., however, Beshaw allegedly confessed to the murder, admitting that he had planned the attack following a long-standing dispute with Steven.

In his written confession, Beshaw claimed the feud was fueled by rumors and indirect threats from Steven, which led him to “put an end to the drama” by taking Steven's life. Prosecutors called the shooting premeditated during Beshaw's virtual arraignment on Tuesday.

“It doesn't get much more than that,” the judge noted, noting the seriousness of the crime. As the trial begins, Steven's family continues to search for 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.