A Rowlett woman has been convicted for her role in orchestrating the brutal murder of her fiancé's ex-girlfriend, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton.
Holly Ann Elkins, indicted in June 2023, was found guilty by a jury after a seven-day trial and an hour and a half of deliberation. She was convicted 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 crime of violence. He was sentenced to 43 years in federal prison.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Elkins assisted in plotting the October 2, 2020 murder of 24-year-old Alyssa Ann Burkett, Beard's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his young daughter.
The prosecution argued that Elkins, motivated by her desire for a life with Beard and a maternal relationship with his daughter, engaged in a campaign to harass Burkett. This campaign culminated in the violent murder of Burkett, with Elkins' full participation and knowledge.
Elkins and Beard's relationship began in April 2020, and by June of that year, Elkins began harassing Burkett after moving into Beard's home. The harassment included placing a GPS tracker on Burkett's vehicle, making false reports to law enforcement, and attempting to gather incriminating information.
In the weeks leading up to the murder, Elkins and Beard purchased items such as a rainsuit, shotgun shells, and a knife. On the day of the murder, Beard, disguised as a Black man, shot Burkett in the head with a shotgun before stabbing and slashing her 44 times.
During the murder, Elkins remained at Beard's home with Burkett's daughter and later attempted to provide him with an alibi.
Elkins now faces a potential life sentence in federal prison. The prosecution emphasized its commitment to bringing those guilty of such domestic violence to justice and expressed hope that the verdict would bring peace to the victim's family.
