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Terence Ramon Beachem | Courtesy/HCSO
Terence Ramon Beachem, 47, of Sulphur Springs was given a life sentence on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 19 for his role in charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony, evading arrest with a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, violation of parole and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. according to Hopkins County DA Will Ramsey.
Beachem was arrested on Aug. 28 after SSPD officers were dispatched to a residence on Park Street in reference to a possible disturbance. The caller reported hearing someone screaming for help. While in route, officers were advised Beachem had allegedly assaulted the homeowner and stole her vehicle.
It was later found that Beachem allegedly kicked in the back door of the residence and assaulted the homeowner by allegedly choking her and punching her in the face and head multiple times with a closed fist.
Officer Jameison Hawkins reportedly observed the vehicle and attempted to stop it at a Helm Lane convenience store. Beachem allegedly fled in the vehicle when Officer Hawkins activated the red and blue emergency lights. Beachem allegedly wrecked in the parking lot of a nearby apartment complex, then fled on foot.
“The police found him close to the interstate and he fled from an officer,” Ramsay said. “He jumped some boulders at the entrance to the parking lot over at the Quail Ridge Apartments and then ran on foot. It appears that he broke into other people’s apartment to hide.”
Beachem was located after a lengthy search and arrested.
“Beachem was on 10 years deferred adjudication probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon,” Ramsey stated. “Because of his prior trips to the penitentiary, if his probation was violated, he would be looking at a punishment range of twenty five years to life.”
Beachem was previously arrested on Aug. 18 for charges of public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia after officers were called to a disturbance at Jackson and Houston streets. Prior to officer arrival at approximately 5:04 p.m., Beachem allegedly fled the scene on foot, according to reports.
When officers located Beachem near the Northeast Texas Farmers Co-Op, he allegedly threw items to the ground including a pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana and a container of alcohol, reports read.
On Aug. 18, SSPD has an incident report filed on Beachem for criminal mischief $100-$750 for damage to the front driver side window of a vehicle.
On Aug. 21, SSPD has an incident report filed on Beachem for interference with emergency request for assistance.
On Aug. 24, SSPD has an incident report filed on Beachem for burglary of a habitation, a class 2 felony, in which house keys and a cell phone were later recovered.
“If you remember, this was a guy who in August 2018 was in an argument with another individual and drove his car into that individual’s car,” Ramsay said. “He also caused a lot of damage up around the square.”
Ramsay estimated that Beachem owes approximately $28,000 in restitution to the City of Sulphur Springs.
“While on probation, he [Beachem] continued to harass his ex-girlfriend,” Ramsay stated. “He was charged with burglary of her habitation on two separate days in August of 2019. On the last day, August 28th, he invaded her home and attempted to gag her and take her from the residence.”
In self-defense, Ramsay said, the woman was able to scream and escape by biting Beachem’s finger completely off.
“After hearing all the evidence and considering this man’s 30-year felony record, the Judge [Eddie Northcutt] sentenced him to life in the penitentiary,” Ramsay said.
“Sadly, Mr. Beachem has demonstrated over his entire adult life that he is unable to live peacefully in society,” Ramsay stated. “There comes a point when we must ensure that no law-abiding citizen is ever threatened by him again.”
Ramsay commends the woman who fought Beachem off, calling her a “brave survivor in this case for testifying in front of the man who savagely attacked her.”
“Judge Northcutt considered all the horrendous evidence in this case and the defendant’s 30-year resumé of crime to reach a just verdict of life in the penitentiary.” Ramsay said. “I appreciate his [Northcutt’s] commitment to sending a statement and keeping the community safe.”