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Who Was Alyssa Burkett & What Happened to Her? 2025 Update & Background

by · December 12, 2025

Alyssa Burkett was a 24-year-old mother living in North Texas whose life ended in a targeted attack outside her workplace. Her story became the focus of a national investigation and later an episode of ABC’s 20/20. Beyond the crime, Alyssa’s life reflected the experience of a young parent working to build stability for her child amid personal conflict.

She was known to family and friends as devoted to her daughter and committed to maintaining a routine that balanced work and motherhood. Those closest to her described a young woman who prioritized safety and consistency, especially during a period marked by legal disputes and mounting stress.

Family, Work, and Daily Life

Alyssa shared a young daughter with Andrew Beard. After the child’s birth, Alyssa worked to establish a predictable schedule that supported her daughter’s needs. She was employed at a leasing office in Carrollton, Texas, where she arrived early and followed a set routine.

Family members later explained that Alyssa took pride in independence and responsibility. She maintained close contact with relatives and relied on them for support while navigating custody arrangements. Her focus remained on parenting, employment, and maintaining normalcy.

Custody Disputes and Growing Fear

The relationship between Alyssa and Beard deteriorated after their separation. A custody dispute over their daughter became a central strain in Alyssa’s life. Although there were periods of calm, renewed legal pressure emerged in 2020 when Beard again sought primary custody.

During this time, Alyssa expressed concern that she was being monitored. She told family members that Beard seemed to know her movements. Those fears were later validated when investigators found a GPS tracking device attached to her vehicle, placed without her knowledge.

The Morning of October 2, 2020

On the morning of October 2, 2020, Alyssa arrived at work at the Greentree Apartments leasing office. As she sat in her car, a man approached in a black SUV and shot her through the driver’s side window. Despite a severe head wound, she exited the vehicle and ran toward the office seeking help.

The attacker pursued her and stabbed her repeatedly near the entrance. Coworkers found Alyssa gravely injured and attempted to render aid. She died at the scene. The attack occurred in broad daylight and left a lasting impact on the community.

The Investigation After Her Death

Investigators quickly identified Beard as a suspect due to his connection to Alyssa and their ongoing custody dispute. Evidence recovered in the hours and days that followed included surveillance footage, a disguised black SUV, weapons, and materials used to conceal the attacker’s identity.

The investigation expanded when evidence revealed a prolonged campaign of harassment against Alyssa. Authorities determined that Beard’s fiancée, Holly Elkins, played a central role in planning and encouraging the attack. Federal charges followed, shifting the case from a local homicide to a broader conspiracy prosecution.

Justice and Accountability

Beard pleaded guilty to federal charges related to stalking and the use of a firearm resulting in death. He received a 43-year sentence in federal prison. His cooperation provided critical insight into the planning of the crime.

Elkins was later convicted of conspiracy to stalk, stalking resulting in death, and brandishing a firearm in connection with the crime. She was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. The verdicts concluded a case that spanned several years and multiple jurisdictions.

Remembering Alyssa Burkett

Alyssa Burkett is remembered by her family as a mother who fought to protect her child and maintain stability despite ongoing conflict. Her death highlighted the risks associated with prolonged harassment and coercive control, particularly in the context of domestic disputes.

Her daughter now grows up without her mother, a loss acknowledged repeatedly during court proceedings. While the legal outcomes ensured accountability, they could not restore the life that was taken. Alyssa’s story endures as a reminder of the human cost behind criminal cases and the importance of recognizing warning signs before violence occurs.

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Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

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