A Texas woman has been sentenced to two life terms for her role in the brutal murder of her fiance’s ex-girlfriend in 2020. Holly Ann Elkins, 33, was convicted in April for her part in the killing of 24-year-old Alyssa Burkett, which was carried out by Elkins’ then-fiance, Andrew Beard, 37, who was disguised as a Black man in dark makeup and a black rain suit.
The U.S. Attorney’s office announced Elkins’ sentencing on Thursday. She was found guilty of conspiracy to stalk, stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Beard, who pleaded guilty to similar charges, was sentenced in May 2023 to 43 years in federal prison.
The relentless harassment of Burkett by Elkins and Beard was detailed by U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. The pair subjected Burkett to verbal abuse, filed false police reports against her, and planted illegal contraband in her vehicle. When these tactics failed, they plotted her murder.
The events leading to Burkett’s murder began when Elkins and Beard started a relationship in April 2020. Elkins, who dreamed of a life with Beard and a mother-daughter relationship with his child, repeatedly tried to undermine Burkett’s fitness as a parent. When this failed, Elkins encouraged Beard to take Burkett’s life.
Elkins and Beard began a campaign of harassment against Burkett in the summer of 2020, shortly after Elkins moved into Beard’s home. They placed a GPS tracker on Burkett’s vehicle, made false 911 calls, and even hired a private investigator to gather information on Burkett and her new boyfriend. They also planted drugs and a gun in Burkett’s vehicle, falsely accusing her of selling drugs.
Elkins played a direct role in planning the murder and establishing Beard’s alibi. They purchased the vehicle used in the attack and the makeup for Beard’s disguise. They also bought shotgun shells and a knife. A week before the murder, Elkins texted Beard, urging him to commit the act.
On the day of the murder, Beard, disguised with dark makeup, shot Burkett in the head in her workplace parking lot. He then stabbed her 44 times. Burkett was found by her co-workers, covered in blood and gasping for air. She died at the scene.
Elkins, who was at Beard’s home with Burkett’s child at the time of the murder, later told investigators that Beard was at the residence when the murder occurred. However, authorities found evidence linking Beard to the crime, including the vehicle used in the attack, makeup, and a fake beard containing Beard’s DNA. Blood found in the vehicle matched Burkett’s DNA.
Burkett was remembered as a loving mother with a bright future. Her loss is deeply felt by her friends and family.