A North Texas woman has been sentenced to two life sentences after being found guilty of helping her then-fiancé stage the death of his ex-partner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced in a news release Thursday.
Holly Ann Elkins of Rowlett was convicted in April 2023 of conspiracy to commit stalking, stalking with a dangerous weapon resulting in death, and brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.
Elkins’ former fiancé, Andrew Beard, was sentenced to 43 years in prison. He was charged with stalking with a dangerous weapon resulting in death and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
According to evidence presented at trial, Elkins helped Beard plan the death of 24-year-old Alyssa Ann Burkett on October 2, 2020. She had a daughter with Beard.
Prosecutors argued that Elkins “incited” Beard to take his ex-girlfriend’s life and questioned her suitability as a father, the press release said.
Elkins and Beard’s relationship began in April 2020. In June of that year, Elkins became “frustrated” with Beard’s continued association with Burkett, writing to him, in part, “You continue to put (Burkett) first,” the press release said.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she began harassing Burkett in the summer of 2020. The harassment included placing a GPS tracker on Burkett’s vehicle, making false statements to authorities and hiring a private investigator to dig up “incriminating information” about Burkett and her new boyfriend, the press release said.
The investigator testified in court that he found nothing on Burkett.
In September 2020, Elkins helped Beard plant drugs and a gun in Burkett’s car in an attempt to file a false report with police, the law firm said.
Investigators found that Beard’s Google searches included a query about how to remove gunpowder from his hands. In text messages, Elkins wrote to Beard, “I hope you can do this.” She asked him to “stand or die” for her. If he didn’t, she wasn’t sure if the relationship could continue, the press release said.
In October 2020, Beard shot Burkett in the head with a shotgun while she was sitting in her car in the parking lot of her workplace, the press release said. As she struggled out of the car, Beard stabbed her 44 times, according to the investigation.
The investigation revealed that she died when her colleagues tried to provide her with assistance.
At the time the murder occurred, Elkins was staying with his daughter at Beard’s Rockwall home, the press release said. To create an alibi, Elkins claimed Beard was with her when Burkett was killed.
At the trial, Burkett’s friend testified that Elkins was the “mastermind” behind the murder.
