A tragic road-rage incident in Tempe, Arizona, has resulted in the death of a 29-year-old man, Steven Bevan, who was fatally shot in front of his children. The suspect, Dustin Jackson, is now facing serious charges after the shooting, which took place on July 1, 2025.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
The incident unfolded at around noon when Dustin Jackson, 46, was driving a GMC Sierra pickup truck with his 6-year-old daughter as a passenger. Steven Bevan, 29, was also driving with his two young sons, ages 8 and 9, in a Dodge Challenger.
The two vehicles stopped at a traffic light at Warner Road and were preparing to turn onto Priest Road when the road-rage exchange began.
According to Jackson’s account, when the light turned green, Bevan did not immediately move, so Jackson honked his horn. After driving a short distance, Jackson claimed that Bevan swerved into his lane and then abruptly stopped in front of him.
Witnesses report that Bevan then exited his vehicle and approached Jackson’s truck, yelling at him.
The Shooting
Jackson alleges that, fearing for his safety and the safety of his daughter, he opened his truck door and fired a gunshot at Bevan. The bullet struck Bevan in the chest. Authorities confirmed that Bevan was unarmed, and no weapons were found in his car.
After the shooting, the situation escalated with Bevan’s son recording part of the incident on video. The video reportedly shows Bevan approaching Jackson’s truck and placing his hand on the door before the gunshot rang out.
The video, captured by one of Bevan’s sons, reportedly shows the aftermath of the shooting, with the child shouting, “Who shot my dad?” and urging someone to “Call 911.”
Police Investigation and Charges
After the shooting, Bevan was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries. Police also discovered cocaine in Jackson’s glove compartment, adding another layer to the investigation.
Jackson, who is a former Marine and stands at 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and a drive-by shooting.
In his defense, Jackson’s attorney claimed that his client’s actions were “reasonable in light of the circumstances,” suggesting that Jackson acted out of fear for his and his daughter’s safety. However, the evidence, including the video footage and Jackson’s own statements, will be critical in determining the outcome of the case.
The Impact on the Children
The most tragic part of this incident is that children were present in both vehicles. Bevan’s sons witnessed their father’s death, and Jackson’s daughter was in the truck during the shooting.
Thankfully, no children were physically harmed, but the emotional trauma of witnessing such violence is likely to have a long-lasting impact on them.
Dustin Jackson is currently being held in jail on a $1 million bond, facing severe charges for the death of Steven Bevan. The case raises important questions about the escalation of road-rage incidents and the tragic consequences that can follow.
As Jackson awaits trial, the story highlights the dangers of letting anger and frustration drive violent actions, especially when children are involved.
