Rowlett Man Gets 43 Years for Stalking Murder

ROWLETT, TX – Andrew Charles Beard, 36, will spend the next 43 years in a federal prison cell after being sentenced for the calculated stalking and horrific murder of his ex-girlfriend, 24-year-old Alyssa Ann Burkett. The sentence, handed down Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle, closes a chapter on a case fueled by jealousy, control, and a vicious custody dispute over their young daughter.

Federal prosecutors detailed how Beard systematically terrorized Burkett leading up to the October 2, 2020, attack in a Carrollton apartment complex parking lot. The feds revealed Beard installed a GPS tracker on Burkett’s vehicle, meticulously monitoring her every move. This wasn’t a crime of passion, it was a cold, calculated campaign of control designed to isolate and ultimately eliminate a woman he believed stood in the way of his parental desires.

Burkett, described by those who knew her as a dedicated mother and employee, was working at the Carrollton apartment complex at the time of the attack. The feds presented evidence showing Beard purchased a black SUV specifically for the stalking, and on the day of the murder, disguised himself and ambushed Burkett while she was leaving work. He unleashed a barrage of gunfire from a shotgun, then brutally stabbed her, leaving her to die in the parking lot.

The motive, prosecutors argued, was simple: Beard believed killing Burkett would improve his chances of gaining full custody of their daughter. A warped sense of entitlement and a refusal to accept the end of their relationship drove him to commit the unthinkable. The feds successfully argued that the cyberstalking was integral to the murder, proving premeditation and intent.

Beard pleaded guilty in June 2022 to charges of cyberstalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton stressed the severity of the violence inflicted upon Burkett, emphasizing the case as a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. “This sentence, while it can’t bring Alyssa back, sends a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated,” Simonton stated.

The 43-year sentence is a harsh one, but many believe it’s a just outcome for a crime so steeped in premeditation and cruelty. While the victim’s family will forever mourn her loss, they expressed a measure of relief that Beard will be held accountable for his actions. The case underscores the urgent need for increased awareness surrounding domestic violence and cyberstalking, and the importance of providing support for victims before it’s too late. This isn’t just about one murder; it’s about a pattern of control and abuse that claims too many lives.

Investigators recovered crucial forensic evidence linking Beard to the scene, including the GPS tracker and the murder weapon. Witness testimony corroborated the feds’ timeline of events, detailing Beard’s surveillance of Burkett in the weeks leading up to the murder. The case was a collaborative effort between the Rowlett Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or stalking, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and the Cyberstalking Resource Center can be found at cyberstalkingresourcecenter.org.