In a chilling case that has gripped Texas, 24-year-old Alyssa Burkett was brutally murdered on October 2, 2020, in Carrollton, Texas. The assailant, disguised as a Black man, shot her through the driver’s side window of her car and, upon realizing she was still alive, stabbed her 44 times. This heinous act occurred in broad daylight outside her workplace, leaving the community in shock.
Investigations quickly turned to Andrew Beard, Burkett’s ex-boyfriend and the father of their one-year-old daughter, Willow. The two were embroiled in a bitter custody dispute, providing a potential motive for the crime. However, as detectives delved deeper, they uncovered a more sinister plot.
Beard’s fiancée, Holly Elkins, was found to be a co-conspirator in the murder. The couple had orchestrated a months-long campaign of harassment against Burkett, including planting a GPS tracker on her vehicle, filing false police reports, and attempting to frame her for drug possession. Their ultimate goal was to eliminate Burkett and gain custody of Willow.
In 2022, Beard pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in death and using a firearm in a violent crime, receiving a 43-year prison sentence. Elkins was convicted of conspiracy to stalk and related charges, resulting in two life sentences. The case highlights the extreme lengths individuals may go to in custody disputes and underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in such matters.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in contentious custody battles and the necessity for legal and mental health professionals to be alert to signs of escalating behavior. The story of Alyssa Burkett was featured in a recent episode of CBS News’ “48 Hours,” shedding light on the complexities and dangers of domestic disputes.
