The tragic case surrounding Lemar Beasley, accused of a brutal stabbing, was presented to a grand jury, leading to charges of first-degree murder. The incident, which shocked the Fruitland community, unfolded in the parking lot of a local Dollar General.
In Putnam County, Florida, authorities have moved swiftly to address this heinous crime. On Monday, the grand jury formally indicted Beasley, 54, for the vicious attack on Cheyenne Kastens, a 36-year-old woman who suffered more than 40 stab wounds. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Kastens succumbed to her injuries.
The stabbing took place near Kastens’ car, with the State Attorney’s Office confirming no prior interaction or relationship existed between her and Beasley. This random act of violence has left a community searching for answers and grappling with grief.
After the attack, Beasley reportedly fled on foot and was later apprehended inside a camper on Huntington Shortcut Road. The quick response from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office led to his arrest, bringing some measure of relief to the shaken community.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach expressed his deep condolences to Kastens’ family and friends, acknowledging the enduring impact of their loss. He emphasized the commitment to seeking justice, stating, “No words can bring back the irreparable harm to Ms. Kastens’ family and friends caused at the hands of a stone-cold killer. However, I hope they can take solace in knowing the intent to hold Lemar Beasley accountable for his actions.”
“No words can bring back the irreparable harm to Ms. Kastens’ family and friends caused at the hands of a stone-cold killer,” Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach said. “However, I hope they can take solace in knowing the intent to hold Lemar Beasley accountable for his actions.”
The next step for Beasley is an arraignment, during which he will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The suspect is a convicted sex offender who had been released from prison in July for failing to comply with registered offender requirements. In the 1990s, he was convicted of several offenses including false imprisonment, attempted murder and sexual battery.
“Like many in our community, I am frustrated that this career criminal was able to walk freely despite numerous arrests over decades, court cases and felony charges,” said Sheriff DeLoach. “We continue to work with Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza’s office to ensure he never leaves the glow of artificial light in a prison cell and we hope that the death penalty will be pursued in this case. This indictment is the first step in a permanent resolution for Lemar Beasley and all of the victims he has terrorized in our community since the 1990s.”
