SHAWNEE, Kan. — It’s been one year since a deadly shooting at She’s A Pistol gun shop in Shawnee.
Court documents say store co-owner Becky Bieker was showing a gun to a man before three others ran in to rob the store. A shootout ensued, resulting in the death of Bieker’s husband, Jon. Three of the suspects were hit by gunfire but survived. Police took four suspects into custody. All four have been charged with first degree murder.
FOX 4 has been following this story in the past year.
Jon owned the store with his wife, Becky. As the legal proceedings continue, Becky is reflecting on the year since that incident and what she’s learned from the tragedy.
Becky said the new year brings perspective.
“I would say it’s been the most difficult year of my life, but it’s also been the most educational year of my life,” Bieker said.
That education comes in learning about the criminal justice system.
“This was a crime that affected all of us, and brought it close to home.”
And Bieker has learned a lot about her own strength and resolve.
“I never even considered it an option to give up to stay curled up in bed, and that tells me that I can make it through this,” Bieker said, although moving on without her best friend has been incredibly trying.
“For me, it’s usually late at night. The house gets a little too quiet, or you know, it’s been a long week, he and I would usually go have a nice dinner, relax, go home and watch a movie. There’s no one to do that with,” Bieker said.
“He was my home. Most people call their house their home, but he was my home,” Bieker explained.
Since Jon’s death, Becky has been running the family business having to delve into unfamiliar territory, many times taking over things Jon used to run.
She re-opened She’s A Pistol and even moved to a new location. She said it was also tough to leave behind a building full of memories.
“That was the first time we had a brick-and-mortar location, and if you’ve ever seen the old pictures, we started with just a couple of racks, and the store was so empty when we opened,” Bieker recalled.
She’s A Pistol appears to have re-emerged bigger and better. Bieker called the support from her loved ones and the community her biggest blessing.
She is clinging to the promise of a new future with Jon still in her heart, giving her strength as the four suspected gunmen have their day in court.
Several of those suspects are scheduled to appear in court later this month.
