Alyssa Burkett, a 24-year-old woman from Carrollton, Texas, was tragically shot and stabbed to death on October 2, 2020, at the Greentree Apartments leasing office where she worked. Burkett, who was white, was attacked by Andrew Beard, her ex-boyfriend and the father of her 1-year-old daughter, Willow. Beard, who was 33 years old at the time, disguised himself as a Black man and carried out the brutal attack.
The investigation into Burkett's death revealed a complex and sinister plot
orchestrated by Beard's fiancée, Holly Elkins. Elkins, who was 32 years old, had been stalking and harassing Burkett for months. She helped Beard plant drugs and a gun in Burkett's car to falsely implicate her as a drug dealer. Elkins was obsessed with wanting custody of Burkett's daughter and was described by prosecutors as the "puppet master" behind the murder.
In July 2021, Beard admitted to the murder and pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and using a dangerous weapon resulting in death. He was sentenced to 43 years in federal prison. Elkins was arrested in Miami in July 2023 and later convicted of orchestrating Burkett's murder. She received two consecutive life sentences for her role in the crime.
The case drew significant media attention and highlighted the dangers of obsession and manipulation. Burkett's mother, Teresa Collard, expressed relief and happiness after the verdict, stating that it had been a long time coming. Despite the tragic loss, Burkett's daughter, Willow, remains a source of strength and hope for her family.
The investigation and subsequent trials underscored the importance of vigilance and the need for justice in cases of domestic violence and manipulation. The community continues to remember Alyssa Burkett and honor her memory through various tributes and remembrance events.
