Cortland County Homicide: 53-Year-Old Anthony T. Beecham Identified as Victim in Homer Shooting
HOMER, N.Y. — The quiet village of Homer was rattled early Wednesday morning following the discovery of a homicide at a Grove Street residence, now confirmed by the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office to be the home of Anthony T. Beecham, 53, who was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
The incident occurred at 40 Grove Street, a typically calm residential block just off the village center. Village of Homer police officers responded to a 911 call around 3:30 a.m. reporting a subject in possible cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, they found Beecham unresponsive. Emergency life-saving measures were immediately initiated and continued as he was transported to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities later confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds, officially classifying the case as a homicide.
No Suspects in Custody, Vehicle Sighting Noted
As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active. The Cortland County Sheriff’s Office has stated that a dark-colored vehicle was observed fleeing the area at a high rate of speed around the time of the shooting. Investigators are urging anyone with surveillance footage or information related to suspicious activity in the area during the early morning hours of October 9 to come forward.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that, despite the violent nature of the crime, there is no immediate threat to the public, and all available evidence suggests this was an isolated incident.
“We understand the community is on edge, but based on current information, we believe this was not a random act of violence,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “We are following all leads and working diligently to identify the person or persons responsible.”
Controversial History of the Victim
Beecham’s name may be familiar to some. Records show he had a long and serious criminal history, including a 1993 conviction in Kentucky on two counts of sodomy in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. He served 20 years in Kentucky State Prison before being released and eventually relocating to Homer, New York.
Following his release, Beecham was classified by the New York State Sex Offender Registry as a Level 3 sexually violent offender — the highest risk designation in the state. According to registry data, Level 3 offenders are considered to have a high risk of repeat offense and are subject to lifetime registration and public notification.
His presence in the community had reportedly stirred concern among residents when he first moved to the area, though law enforcement stated he was in full compliance with state registration and reporting requirements.
“Everyone deserves to live in safety, but it was always unsettling knowing someone with that history was living nearby,” said one Grove Street neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “Still, no one wants to see this kind of violence.”
Grove Street Reopened, But Questions Linger
Following the incident, Grove Street was temporarily blocked off as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence. Police tape cordoned off the property at 40 Grove St. for most of the day Wednesday. By Thursday morning, the tape had been removed, and traffic was allowed to resume, though the home remains under investigation.
Detectives from both the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police have been seen at the location, canvassing the neighborhood and speaking with potential witnesses. The house where Beecham lived alone remains sealed off as forensic teams complete their work.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the condition of the home, the weapon used, or whether Beecham may have known his attacker. It remains unclear whether the shooting was linked to Beecham’s past, a personal dispute, or another motive altogether.
Community Response
The community reaction has been mixed — with some expressing fear and concern over the brazen nature of the killing, and others pointing to Beecham’s criminal past and questioning whether the motive might lie within unresolved tensions or past conflicts.
“Violence is never the answer, but I think a lot of people have mixed feelings,” said another neighbor. “It’s a tragedy any way you look at it, but there’s also a sense of deep discomfort because of who the victim was.”
Several local residents have called for increased patrols in the area, particularly in the early morning hours, until more is known about the shooting. Others are demanding transparency from authorities as the investigation unfolds.
Call for Public Assistance
The Cortland County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the early hours of Wednesday, October 9, particularly near the intersection of Grove Street and West Street, to contact the department directly or submit tips anonymously through Cortland County Crime Stoppers.
Investigators are also encouraging residents and businesses with surveillance cameras to check footage between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. for any sign of the dark-colored vehicle seen leaving the area.
“Even the smallest detail can help,” officials said. “We’re working tirelessly to bring clarity and justice to this case.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, the community of Homer remains on edge, balancing fear, confusion, and in some cases, reluctant reflection on the victim’s past. While questions abound, law enforcement remains focused on gathering evidence and identifying a suspect.
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