Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 229: Twisted Obsession: How a Love Triangle Turned Deadly | The Murder of Alyssa Burkett

Release Date: January 6, 2025
Hosted by Annie Elise, produced by 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In this harrowing episode of Serialously with Annie Elise, host Annie delves deep into the tragic and complex case of Alyssa Burkett, whose life was brutally cut short in a twisted love triangle involving her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Beard, and his fiancée, Holly Elkins. This case is a chilling exploration of obsession, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions.

Alyssa Burkett: A Life Cut Short

Alyssa Burkett was a 24-year-old assistant manager at the Greentree apartment complex in Carlton, Texas. She was a dedicated mother to her daughter, Willow Ann, born on July 23, 2019. Alyssa was focused on building a stable life for her child, working at Greentree, attending college part-time with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, and maintaining a healthy relationship with her new boyfriend, Ben Irwin.

The Relationship Dynamics

Alyssa's relationship history took a dark turn with her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Beard. They met two years prior on a dating app and maintained a co-parenting arrangement for their daughter after splitting up. However, tensions over custody began to escalate, particularly when Andrew sought full custody, leading to numerous courtroom battles that strained Alyssa's mental and physical health.

Notable Quote:

“So the resolution was that they were going to split custody of Willow. 50-50. It wasn't perfect by any means, but at least it was a step forward in the right direction.”
(06:15)

The Murder of Alyssa Burkett

On October 2, 2020, Alyssa's life took a tragic turn. While arriving at work, she was attacked by a man dressed in black. The assailant shot her through her car window and then proceeded to stab her multiple times with a knife before fleeing the scene. Despite her severe injuries, Alyssa fought to stay conscious and sought help, but tragically, she succumbed to her wounds before emergency services could arrive.

Notable Quote:

“And he did. Because he did.” – Alyssa Burkett
(02:42)

Investigation and Initial Suspicions

The police investigation initially struggled due to a lack of concrete evidence. However, multiple witnesses described the attacker as a black man, leading investigators to consider whether the attack was personal or a random act of violence. Alyssa's mother, Teresa, became a key figure as she strongly suspected Andrew's involvement, especially after observing his increasingly erratic behavior and his own statements indicating a desperate desire for full custody.

Notable Quote:

“He even told the police about a confrontation that she personally had had with him. … She thought that he already knew exactly who had done this to Alyssa.”
(09:48)

Evidence Mounts Against Andrew Beard

Despite eyewitness accounts contradicting Andrew's race, several pieces of incriminating evidence pointed toward his guilt:

1. Stalking Behavior: Andrew repeatedly showed up wherever Alyssa was, raising alarm about potential stalking.
2. Planting Evidence: Alyssa found drugs and a gun in her car, which she suspected Andrew had planted to frame her.
3. Surveillance: Police discovered a GPS tracker in both Alyssa's and Ben's cars, with no identifiable ownership.
4. Disguise Attempts: In Andrew's truck, authorities found dark makeup products and a fake beard, suggesting he attempted to disguise his race during the attack.

Notable Quote:

“If Andrew had planted all of this stuff or even if he didn't, we still couldn't rule him out.”
(29:55)

The Arrest and Trial of Andrew Beard

Andrew Beard was arrested on October 5th, five days after the murder. Initially pleading not guilty, he maintained his innocence despite mounting evidence:

• Confession: In June 2022, Andrew accepted a plea deal, confessing to the murder but claiming he was not the mastermind.
• Sentence: Andrew was sentenced to 43 years in prison as part of his plea agreement.

Holly Elkins: The Mastermind Behind the Murder

Holly Elkins, Andrew's fiancée, emerged as the true orchestrator of the plot against Alyssa:

• Manipulation and Control: Holly manipulated Andrew into seeking full custody of Willow, convincing him that drastic measures were necessary.
• Framing Alyssa: She orchestrated the planting of drugs and attempted to discredit Alyssa through false allegations.
• Disguise and Planning: Holly planned the disguise, purchasing the black SUV and the makeup Andrew used during the attack.

Notable Quote:

“She told Andrew that he had to kill Alyssa to prove that he was a man.”
(56:39)

Holly's Fate and Final Justice

After Andrew's conviction, Holly fled to Michigan to evade capture. However, her actions caught up with her when she was arrested upon returning from a vacation in the Dominican Republic in June 2023. During her trial in April 2024, Holly pleaded not guilty but was swiftly found guilty on all counts within a 90-minute jury deliberation. She was sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole, surpassing Andrew's sentence due to her role as the mastermind.

Notable Quote:

“They found an envelope with notes scratched and scribbled all over it. … It was all Holly.”
(36:20)

Aftermath and Reflections

The murder left a profound impact on Alyssa's family, particularly her daughter, Willow, who was raised by Alyssa's mother, Teresa. While justice was served, the case remains a poignant reminder of the destructive power of obsession and manipulation.

Notable Quote:

“But it's so senseless. It feels very detached and impersonal to me.”
(62:18)

Conclusion

Alyssa Burkett's tragic story is a compelling illustration of how personal vendettas and manipulative relationships can lead to devastating consequences. Through detailed investigation and undeniable evidence, Serialously with Annie Elise sheds light on a case where deception and obsession culminated in a senseless loss of life, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and the profound impact such crimes have on innocent families.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "So the resolution was that they were going to split custody of Willow. 50-50. It wasn't perfect by any means, but at least it was a step forward in the right direction." — (06:15)

• “And he did. Because he did.” — Alyssa Burkett (02:42)

• “He even told the police about a confrontation that she personally had had with him. ... She thought that he already knew exactly who had done this to Alyssa.” — Teresa Burkett (09:48)

• “If Andrew had planted all of this stuff or even if he didn't, we still couldn't rule him out.” — Annie Elise (29:55)

• “She told Andrew that he had to kill Alyssa to prove that he was a man.” — Holly Elkins (56:39)

• “They found an envelope with notes scratched and scribbled all over it. … It was all Holly.” — Annie Elise (36:20)

• “But it's so senseless. It feels very detached and impersonal to me.” — Annie Elise (62:18)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the case, the investigation, and the ultimate resolution, while highlighting key moments and quotes from the transcript.