Her daughter, 24-year-old Alyssa Burkett, was killed on Oct. 2, 2020, by ex-boyfriend Andrew Beard. As Alyssa Burkett sat in her car outside her work, Beard approached her, wearing Blackface, and sh0t her. He began to leave the scene and Burkett staggered out of the car, but Beard came back and stabbed her 13 times, k#lling her.
At the time, the two were in a bitter custody dispute over their 1-year-old daughter: Willow Ann.
But Beard didn’t act alone. The murder was the culmination of an elaborate, months-long plan of stalking, harassment and bullying by Beard and his then-fiancée Holly Elkins.
The investigation into the crime and its aftermath is documented in “The Plot To Eliminate Alyssa Burkett,” the latest episode of CBS News’ 48 Hours, which airs Nov. 16, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, and can be streamed on Pluto TV, Paramount + and Paramount partner channels.
While Burkett’s family immediately told police they suspected Beard, investigators realized that was only half the story.
The investigation revealed an extensive and convoluted plan by Elkins and Beard that included faking a police report against Burkett; Elkins scratching herself in an effort to incriminate Collar in a fabricated attack; planting drugs and firearms in Burkett’s car and notifying police; and planting a GPS tracker in Burkett’s car.
Prosecutors tell 48 Hours said Elkins’ motive was that she “dreamt of a life” with Beard as 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, Beard pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in death and using a firearm in a violent crime; he was sentenced to 43 years.
Elkins 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. She received to two life sentences.
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.
48 Hours: The Plot To Eliminate Alyssa Burkett will air on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, and can be streamed on Pluto TV, Paramount + and Paramount partner channels.