Boy pleads for stolen pumpkin; last gift from his grandfather

<p>A Suffolk County family says a cold-hearted criminal stole a 100-pound pumpkin of sentimental value from their doorstep.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 16, 2018, 11:55 PM

Updated 2,017 days ago

Share:

A Suffolk County family says a cold-hearted criminal stole a 100-pound pumpkin of sentimental value from their doorstep.
The pumpkin was grown for 6-year-old Kevin Beckmann by his grandfather, Thomas Beckmann. The elder Beckmann planted the pumpkin back in May in his West Islip garden. A week later, he died of liver failure.
“The reason why I loved [the pumpkin] so much was because it was from Pop and it was his last gift to me,” Kevin told News 12.
The Lindenhurst family believes the pumpkin was stolen under the cover of darkness on Friday night.
Kevin's aunt posted a plea on Facebook for information leading to the return of the pumpkin. It has since been shared more than 1,100 times.
After learning about the story, people have begun leaving pumpkins on the family’s doorstep.
The family is offering a $500 dollar reward for information leading to the gourd's return.
Kevin told News 12 that if the pumpkin has been smashed, he would like to know where – so he can collect the seeds and plant them.
(Kevin and "Pop" Thomas Beckmann)


More from News 12
1:53
Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

2:10
Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

0:36
New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:26
Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

0:24
Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

2:19
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

0:51
Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

0:29
Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

1:33
AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

2:12
Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

0:37
Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint