Breaking News: New information released on murder charges against Scott Beane
Patrice Bumstead
Farmer Editor
Earlier today, the McKenzie County Farmer learned of charges brought against Scott Beane, 35, of Watford City in relation to the death of a local woman on Sept. 12.
The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) released an official statement on this case at approximately 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 17, following Mr. Beane’s initial bond hearing.
It reads in part “On September 12, 2023, the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence south of Watford City, N.D., 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 of Watford City inside a bathroom. Scott Beane was detained without incident and later charged with N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-01- Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.”
During The Farmers investigation of this case, sources indicated that the woman who was found deceased in the residence was Beane’s mother, Lois Beane, which was confirmed in the MCSO statement.
“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 Scott Beane. The remains of the victim were sent to the North Dakota Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy was conducted.”
According to law enforcement’s statement, the autopsy results showed the manner of death to be homicide due to acute thermal inhalational injuries.
It was also reported that the fire was not accidental in nature, following further investigation and assistance from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Scott Beane’s bond was set at $5 million and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024.
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