Holly Ann Elkins, a resident of Rowlett, has been convicted in connection with the brutal murder of Alyssa Ann Burkett, Leigha Simonton U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
The trial, which spanned seven days, resulted in Elkins being 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.
Elkins’ former fiancé, Andrew Beard, had previously pleaded guilty to stalking using a dangerous weapon, resulting in death and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
He received a 43-year sentence in federal prison.
“Holly Elkins and Andrew Beard constructed a campaign of terror aimed at Alyssa Ann Burkett, the mother of Mr. Beard’s young daughter. After months of harassment and stalking, this campaign ended in the incredibly violent murder of Alyssa at the hands of Mr. Beard with Ms. Elkins’s full participation and knowledge in the planning and ensuing attempted cover-up,” said Simonton.
“This U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Justice as a whole, are committed to bringing those guilty of such heinous domestic violence to justice. I pray that today’s verdict brings the victim’s family the peace they need to move forward. I know they will never allow Alyssa’s daughter to forget just how much her mother loved her.”
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Elkins played a significant role in orchestrating the murder of Alyssa Ann Burkett on October 2, 2020.
Burkett, aged 24 at the time of her death, was the former girlfriend of Mr. Beard, with whom she shared a daughter.
The prosecution argued that Elkins harbored aspirations of building a life with Beard and establishing a maternal relationship with his daughter.
When her attempts to undermine Burkett’s parental fitness failed, Elkins allegedly goaded Beard into committing the heinous act.
The relationship between the two began in early April 2020, resulting in a swift progression towards engagement.
Tensions flared as Elkins became increasingly frustrated with Beard’s continued relationship with Burkett.
Shortly after Elkins moved into Beard’s residence, she began to harass Burkett, according to officials.
In June, Elkins and Beard conspired to surveil Burkett by placing a GPS tracker on her vehicle.
Elkins reportedly made false reports to law enforcement and planted incriminating evidence in Burkett’s possession.
Days before the murder, Elkins purchased supplies used in the crime, including a black rain suit and weaponry.
Text messages exchanged between Elkins and Beard revealed her encouragement for him to commit the act.
On October 2, 2020, Beard carried out the murder, disguising himself as a black man and ultimately fatally injuring Burkett.
Elkins remained at Beard’s residence during the crime, attempting to establish an alibi.
Testimony from Burkett’s new boyfriend implicated Elkins as the mastermind behind the murder, leading to her indictment.
Elkins now faces the possibility of life imprisonment for her alleged role in the tragic event.