Will County judge denies pretrial release for father charged with son’s murder

By TopTrendReportTv

May 1, 2024

A woman who was walking her dog and attending an online Bible class from her car reportedly witnessed a father shoot his adopted son in a forest preserve in Plainfield, according to a prosecutor. She heard a noise that she initially thought was a firework, but then she saw Fred Beaugard, 56, of Romeoville, approach Tayvion Beaugard, 19, who was on the ground, and shoot him at close range, said Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Senko.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Senko provided an account of the incident that resulted in Fred Beaugard's arrest on charges of first-degree murder of his adopted son. The shooting occurred Monday at the Lake Renwick Preserve in Plainfield. The judge decided to keep Fred Beaugard in custody.

After witnessing the shooting, the woman drove away and called 911, Senko stated. Forest Preserve District of Will County officers arrived at the scene.

Senko emphasized that Fred Beaugard, a retired sergeant from the Illinois Department of Corrections, committed an unprovoked attack on Tayvion Beaugard. Will County Assistant Public Defender Adam Wangler noted that Fred Beaugard retired from IDOC in 2021 and was training to become an auxiliary deputy for Will County.

"Fred Beaugard claimed he shot his son due to high levels of mental stress," Senko said. Tayvion Beaugard suffered two gunshot wounds, one to the neck and another to the face, and officers found a large pool of blood from his head, according to Senko.

Fred Beaugard did not have any injuries, and he did not report any conflict or aggressive behavior from his son, Senko stated. He described experiencing a surge of emotion.

Fred Beaugard had a 9-mm firearm in a fanny pack while in the forest preserve, Senko said, adding that although he had a valid firearm owner's identification card, his concealed carry license had expired on July 26.

Fred Beaugard told police he intended to talk through their issues with Tayvion Beaugard in the area. Other family members were present as well, according to Senko.

In 2023, Tayvion Beaugard faced a misdemeanor domestic battery charge involving his father, court records show. He was released on a recognizance bond on July 25 and was required to avoid contact with Fred Beaugard.

Tayvion Beaugard pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his trial was originally scheduled for this summer.