The brutal murder of Alyssa Burkett sent shockwaves through the community of Carrollton, Texas. The young mother was shot, stabbed, and slashed 44 times in a horrific crime that left investigators stunned. The prime suspect, Andrew Beard, the father of Burkett’s child, was quickly identified, but as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that he wasn’t acting alone.
Burkett’s mother, Teresa Collard, played a crucial role in leading detectives to Beard. She arrived at the scene of the crime and immediately pointed investigators in his direction. Beard was stopped by police hours after the murder, accompanied by his fiancée and their baby daughter. A search of his home revealed incriminating evidence, including a GPS tracker that matched one found under Burkett’s car.
Further searches of Beard’s belongings uncovered a fake beard, makeup, and cut-up hiking boots soaked in bleach, all of which were believed to be part of his disguise during the murder. Beard eventually turned himself in to police and was charged with murder. His fiancée, Holly Elkins, also became a person of interest in the case.
Elkins initially claimed that Beard was with her at home during the murder, but internet searches she made raised suspicions about her involvement. Detectives found text messages between Elkins and Beard, indicating her knowledge and potential role in the crime. After Beard pleaded guilty and implicated Elkins in a plea deal, the FBI built a case against her, leading to her arrest almost three years after Burkett’s death.
Elkins’ trial revealed damning evidence, including internet searches and a receipt connecting her to the crime. Text messages between Elkins and Beard further incriminated her, leading to her conviction on charges of conspiracy to stalk, stalking resulting in serious bodily injury and death, and brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence.
The jury wasted no time in reaching a verdict, finding Elkins guilty on all counts after a brief deliberation. She was sentenced to two life terms, bringing some closure to the tragic case. The brutal murder of Alyssa Burkett and the subsequent investigation serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the lengths some individuals will go to in order to harm others.
