← Back to United States casesAlyssa Berquette, Teresa Collard, and others Murdered by Andrew Beard, Lette Bowers, and others, Carrollton, Texas, United States
Case Summary
Alyssa Berquette, a 24-year-old mother involved in a bitter custody battle with her ex-partner Andrew Beard, was murdered in Carrollton, Texas, in October 2020. Andrew Beard shot and stabbed Alyssa multiple times after a prolonged custody dispute over their daughter Willow. Holly Elkins, Andrew's fiancée, was implicated as a co-conspirator who manipulated Andrew and orchestrated parts of the crime. Andrew pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 43 years in federal prison, while Holly was found guilty and sentenced to two life terms. The case involved stalking, framing Alyssa with drugs, and intense custody conflict.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Texas, United States
City/Region: Carrollton
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Ex-partners
Relationship Duration: Approximately 1 year (relationship and custody battle)
Affair / New-Partner Context
Recorded context: New relationship started
Reported initiator: Alleged suspect / offender
Relationship timing: During marriage or ongoing partnership, before separation
Incident Date: Oct. 2, 2020
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Friends circle
- Dating app
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Custody Dispute
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Financial secrecy
- Discovery of hidden calls or messages
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Stalking / Repeated Harassment
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Revenge
- Children Custody
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Eliminate romantic rival
- Eliminate romantic partner
Relationship Outcomes:
- Divorce filed
- Custody dispute
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Weapon recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Friends circle
- Dating app
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Ex-partners
Approximately 1 year (relationship and custody battle)
Stages
- Dating
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Financial secrecy
- Discovery of hidden calls or messages
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Stalking / Repeated Harassment
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Custody Dispute
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Children Custody
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Eliminate romantic rival
- Eliminate romantic partner
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2020-10-02
Outcome
- Divorce filed
- Custody dispute
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Weapon recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Alyssa Berquette, Teresa Collard, and others Murdered by Andrew Beard, Lette Bowers, and others, Carrollton, Texas, United States
48 Hours - USA · Original language: English
View original title
Murder of Alyssa Berquette
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Custody Conflict
Pattern Analysis
The case centers on a violent custody dispute between Alyssa Berquette and Andrew Beard, exacerbated by jealousy and manipulation involving Andrew's fiancée Holly Elkins. The conflict escalated from legal battles and stalking to a brutal murder, with evidence of framing and stalking tactics used to gain custody advantage.
Investigative Notes
Police quickly identified Andrew Beard as the suspect due to custody conflict and evidence including a disguised vehicle, tracking devices, and planted drugs. Holly Elkins was implicated as a co-conspirator manipulating Andrew. Both were arrested and prosecuted; Andrew pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 43 years, Holly was convicted and sentenced to two life terms. The investigation included forensic evidence, witness statements, and digital communications.
Investigation Confusion
Initial confusion over the shooter's identity due to disguise and misleading witness descriptions. Holly Elkins' alibi and denial complicated early investigation. The involvement of a fake caller and planted evidence initially obscured the motive and perpetrator.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Alyssa and Andrew had a brief relationship resulting in a child and a bitter custody battle. Andrew, influenced by Holly Elkins, escalated harassment including framing Alyssa with drugs and stalking. On October 2, 2020, Andrew shot Alyssa at her workplace parking lot, then stabbed her multiple times. Holly's manipulation and planning were revealed through text messages and evidence. Both were prosecuted and convicted.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to escalating custody conflict, stalking, threats, and prior violent behavior culminating in homicide.
Key Takeaways
Custody disputes can escalate to lethal violence, especially when combined with stalking, manipulation, and third-party influence. Early intervention in stalking and harassment, and awareness of manipulative co-conspirators, is critical. Digital evidence and witness accounts are vital in unraveling complex relationship-driven crimes.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
The escalating custody battle, Alyssa's expressed fear, stalking behavior, framing with drugs, and Andrew's increasing hostility were key early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
911 call about drug selling, planted evidence, tracking devices on Alyssa's car, disguise materials, and incriminating notes linked Andrew and Holly to the crime.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Forensic evidence including blood in the suspect's vehicle, GPS tracker, makeup used for disguise, and digital communications were strongest.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Witnesses saw the suspect shoot through Alyssa's car window and chase her with a knife. Co-workers called 911. Family and friends reported Alyssa's fear and stalking. Holly and Andrew's texts revealed hostility and manipulation.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Initial belief in Andrew's innocence by family and Holly changed after his guilty plea and further investigation revealed Holly's role as co-conspirator.
What remained unclear?
Exact timing and full extent of Holly Elkins' involvement prior to the murder remain partially unclear; some details of planning and coordination are inferred from testimonies and evidence.