Woman Planned Murder of Her Fiancé's Ex So She Could Live Dream Life with Him and Victim's Child

Mar. 15, 2025

Alyssa Burkett.Photo:Paramount+

Paramount+

Teresa Collar still remembers getting the haunting call about her daughter’s murder in October 2020.

At the time, the two were in abitter custody disputeover their 1-year-old daughter: Willow Ann.

Andrew Charles Beard.Carrollton Police Department

Carrollton Police Department

While Burkett’s family immediately told police they suspected Beard, investigators realized that was only half the story.

Prosecutors tell48 Hourssaid Elkins' motive was thatshe “dreamt of a life” with Beardas well as a mother-daughter relationship with Willow. Her hatred for Burkett festered — prosecutors say she frequently used derogatory words to describe her.

In 2022, Beardpleaded guiltyto cyberstalking resulting in death and using a firearm in a violent crime; he was sentenced to 43 years.

Elkins wasconvictedof conspiracy to stalk; stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death; and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. She received totwo life sentences.

Alyssa Burkett.GoFundMe

GoFundMe

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’sfree True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Burkett’s family is now dedicated to shaping a life for Willow that shields her from the details of the tragic killing, but keeps her mother’s memory alive.

“I hope that when she learns what happened, she doesn’t let it tear her apart,” Burkett’s sister tells producers.

During a visit to Burkett’s graveyard, a family member asks Willow what the tombstone says.

“Willow,” the child replies.

“Mother of Willow Ann,” the relative reads out.

Amid the heartbreaking details of Burkett’s story, producers capture a poignant moment: a sunny day, Willow in a braid, her small hands touching her mother’s tombstone.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com