A man charged in the deadly shooting of a gas station clerk in Palmer has changed his plea, months after being accused of a chilling confrontation that left the community shaken. Authorities say Isaac Beshaw, 22, previously admitted to fatally shooting 22-year-old Steven Williams at a Speedway Express on the early morning of Labor Day 2024.

Though earlier reports and rumors included disturbing claims that Beshaw had held a gun to his wife’s head and forced her to choose between her life and their son’s, court documents obtained by Alaska’s News Source dispute those accounts. The actual motive, police say, was rooted in a long-standing feud between Beshaw and the victim.

A Calculated Act of Violence

The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on September 2, 2024, at the Speedway Express located near the intersection of Trunk Road and the Glenn Highway. Surveillance footage shows Beshaw entering the store where Williams was working the overnight shift.

According to an affidavit filed by the Alaska State Troopers Beshaw approached Williams, pulled out a handgun, and opened fire. Nine bullet casings were recovered at the scene. Williams died at the gas station from multiple gunshot wounds.

Beshaw fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterward. In a subsequent interview, he reportedly told investigators that he wanted to “get rid of the drama at its source by ending Williams’ life.”

Beshaw was initially charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence, according to the Alaska Court System

Community in Mourning

Williams’ death sent shockwaves through Palmer, a small city with a population just over 6,000. Family, friends, and coworkers described him as kind, hardworking, and dedicated to helping others.

“He was someone you could count on,” a coworker said during a community vigil. “He didn’t deserve this.”

A fundraiser was established by the family to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for Williams’ young child. As of September, donations had exceeded $15,000, a testament to the community’s support.

Plea Change Raises Questions

Beshaw initially entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment in early September 2024. However, during a court appearance this week, he formally changed his plea. Details about the new plea whether guilty or part of a plea bargain—have not been made public due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Representatives for the Alaska Department of Law declined to comment, citing the active status of the case. However, a spokesperson confirmed that additional charges could still be filed depending on the outcome of ongoing forensic and digital evidence analysis.

Beshaw remains in custody at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility without bail. His next court date is scheduled for later this month.

Mental Health and Gun Access Concerns Raised

Though the case has not been officially tied to mental health issues, it has renewed discussions around behavioral health services and gun access in Alaska. Alaska consistently ranks among the highest in the U.S. for per capita gun ownership and firearm-related deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Local advocacy groups have pointed to the tragedy as a call for better mental health intervention services. Palmer currently relies on support from the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health but many residents argue more local funding and resources are needed.

“People in crisis need better support before they reach a breaking point,” said Lisa Hernandez, a counselor based in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. “This incident, no matter the personal backstory, shows how quickly things can spiral.”

Justice Process Continues

While the full details of the case continue to unfold, the family of Steven Williams remains focused on seeking justice. The Mat-Su District Attorney’s Office has stated they are pursuing the case to the fullest extent of the law.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 352-5401 or submit tips anonymously through Crimestoppers (www.p3tips.com).

As Palmer mourns the loss of a young life, the community also watches closely as the legal process moves forward. Many hope the outcome will offer a sense of closure—and perhaps, spark meaningful change in a state where such tragedies are all too common.

Conclusion

As the legal process unfolds, the tragic death of Steven Williams stands as a stark reminder of how quickly personal conflicts can escalate into irreversible violence. While the plea change by Isaac Beshaw introduces new questions, it does not change the reality for the victim’s family and the Palmer community—who continue to grieve the loss of a son, a father, and a friend.