On Sept. 12, the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence south of Watford City, ND, for a report of a fire at a residence. Upon arrival of law enforcement, a deceased female was located inside of the residence with injuries sustained from the fire. The main entry into the residence was locked at which time law enforcement made entry and located Scott Beane, Watford City, inside a bathroom. Beane was detained without incident and later charged with N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-01- Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division conducted the primary investigation into the death of the female. It was determined the decedent was the mother of Beane. The remains of the victim were sent to the North Dakota Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy was conducted. The autopsy ruled the victim’s manner of death a homicide due to acute thermal and inhalational injuries. Further investigation with assistance from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives determined the fire was not accidental in nature and deemed to be a set fire. This was determined to be an isolated event and there is currently no imminent threat to the public at this time.
As of Nov. 16, Beane has been charged in Northwest Judicial Court for N.D.C.C. 12.1-16-01- Murder-AA Felony. On Nov. 17, Beane was given a bond of $5,000,000. Beane is presumed innocent until proven guilty. There is no further information to be released at this time.
The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, North Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the North Dakota Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance during the course of this investigation.
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