Andrew Charles Beard, a 36-year-old resident of Rowlett, has been sentenced to 43 years in federal prison for cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend and committing a heinous act of violence that claimed her life.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced the sentencing, highlighting the devastating impact of intimate partner violence and expressing hope that the sentence brings solace to the victim’s family.
The events unfolded on October 2, 2020, when Beard targeted 24-year-old Alyssa Ann Burkett, his ex-girlfriend, in a parking lot in Carrollton, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Beard admitted to cyberstalking her and attempting to gain custody of their young daughter.
He placed a GPS tracking device on her car, followed her in a black SUV he had purchased, and donned a disguise, according to the release.
Armed with a shotgun, he shot Burkett in the head while she was seated in her car. Believing she was dead, Beard returned to his vehicle, intending to flee the scene.
Despite severe injuries, Burkett managed to stagger out of her car and sought help at a nearby building.
Realizing she was still alive; Beard abandoned his escape and approached her. He grabbed her from behind and brutally stabbed her 13 times in the upper body.
Burkett succumbed to her injuries in the parking lot as Beard fled.
Investigating officers discovered a disturbing pattern of fear and obsession.
Burkett’s mother, coworkers, and boyfriend expressed concerns about Beard’s possessive behavior and the belief that he was tracking her.
In a shocking revelation, it was revealed in his plea papers that Beard had previously planted drugs and a gun in Burkett’s car, subsequently calling in a false drug tip to authorities to incriminate her.
Law enforcement apprehended Beard three hours after the murder, seizing three phones, including a prepaid burner phone.
A search of the phones uncovered an internet search for removing gunpowder residue from hands, suggesting premeditation.
Additional pieces of evidence, including a pair of cut-up hiking boots soaked in bleach and a matching battery for the GPS trackers, were found in Beard’s vehicle and residence.
The investigation continued the following day when officers located the abandoned black SUV near Beard’s home.
Dried blood recovered from the vehicle matched Burkett’s DNA, and a fake beard found inside contained Beard’s DNA.
“This case is a sobering reminder of the brutal violence some women endure at the hands of their intimate partners. The victim in this case fought valiantly until the end. We hope today’s sentence brings a measure of peace to her family,” said Simonton.
News of the sentencing comes amid an increase in homicides in Dallas. As of May 1, the last time crime statistics were updated, allegedly due to a ransomware attack against the City, Dallas had seen a roughly 20% increase in murders year over year.
