Andrew Charles Beard, 33, surrendered to authorities on Monday morning after Carrollton police obtained a warrant of arrest. He was charged with murder for allegedly shooting and repeatedly stabbing Alyssa Burkett. The attack happened on Friday, October 2, before 9 a.m. outside of the Greentree Apartments leasing office where Burkett worked as a manager.
Police found Burkett, 22, on the front steps of the office, Carrollton Leader reported. She had a gunshot wound to the head and multiple stab wounds. The police affidavit said that Burkett's coworkers tried to treat her, but she died at the scene.
Witnesses said that the assailant was about 6 feet tall and was wearing all-black clothing and a face covering. However, two witnesses said that they saw the side of the man's face and told the police it was a Black man that attacked Burkett.
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Current Boyfriend Says Burkett Feared for Her Life
Burkett's current boyfriend and one of her coworkers said that she feared for her life and was scared of Beard. The victim and Beard had been involved in a contentious custody battle over their daughter. The mother was awarded custody of the child last September 30. Thankfully, the child was not harmed and is now in Child Protective Services' custody.
Her current boyfriend also said that Beard always seemed to find Burnett. He said he once find a tracking device under his car and police also found a similar device while searching Burkett's vehicle. Then on Friday evening, the investigators discovered the same type of device while searching Beard's home.
Police Find Bottles of Brown Makeup and a Fake Beard
The police also searched Beard's Ford F-150 and discovered black boots that had been cut into pieces, a serrated kitchen knife, and a flathead screwdriver. They also found two bottles of dark brown liquid foundation and makeup wipes that had been partially burned and other brown residues.
The Dallas Morning News noted that police discovered an abandoned black Ford Expedition in the 5500 block of Onset Bay Drive, Rowlett. Upon contacting the registered owner, they found out that it was sold to a man described as a white man about 6 feet tall, wearing a face covering and a ball cap.
The police noted a surveillance video shows a black Ford Expedition driving toward Onset Bay Drive approximately half an hour after the shooting occurred. There are roughly 26.8 miles between Greentree Apartments and where the Expedition was found. The affidavit also notes that the trails and open space connect Beard's residence and the area where the Expedition was recovered.
On Oct 4, detectives searched the Expedition and discovered a dark-colored hair, stained with what appeared to be blood. They also found a dark prosthetic beard with what appeared to be brown makeup on its inside.
Beard is now detained in Dallas County Jail. His bail is set at $1 million. Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been organized to help with the expenses of Burkett's funeral.
