The Murder of Alyssa Ann Brette and 4 Other True Crime Cases That Shocked America
Alyssa Ann Brette, a 24-year-old mother from Roy City, Texas, had her life violently cut short in October 2020 during a bitter custody dispute over her one-year-old daughter, Willow Anne. Known for her strong will and natural leadership, Alyssa became the target of a calculated campaign of harassment and false accusations orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend Andrew Charles Beard and his fiancée Holly Anne Elkins. The months leading up to her murder were marked by escalating tactics designed to damage her reputation and paint her as unfit for custody.
The fatal attack occurred on October 2, 2020, when Beard, disguised with black face paint, ambushed Alyssa outside her workplace at a Carrollton apartment complex. Despite elaborate attempts to cover their involvement, investigators quickly connected Beard and Elkins to the crime, uncovering evidence of extensive premeditation including weapon purchases and surveillance equipment. Their convictions resulted in substantial sentences—43 years for Beard and two consecutive life terms for Elkins—while Alyssa's family gained custody of Willow and continues to honor her memory.
Key Takeaways
Alyssa Ann Brette's murder followed months of orchestrated harassment during a custody dispute over her young daughter.
The carefully planned attack involved disguise, weapons purchased specifically for the crime, and attempts to establish false alibis.
Both perpetrators received lengthy prison sentences, with Elkins sentenced to two consecutive life terms for her role in the conspiracy.
The Journey of Alyssa Brette
Formative Days and Family Origins
Alyssa Brette entered the world on December 31, 1995, in Mesquite, Texas, as the daughter of Josh and Teresa. Her early years shaped her into the determined and strong-willed individual she would become. By age 24, Alyssa had established herself in Roy City, Texas, where she built a life centered around her greatest joy - her daughter.
Parenthood and Character Traits
Alyssa was a devoted mother to her one-year-old daughter, Willow Anne. Those who knew her described Alyssa as remarkably strong-willed, ambitious, and fiercely determined. Her natural leadership qualities attracted many friends who valued her companionship.
In 2020, Alyssa found herself embroiled in a difficult custody dispute with Andrew Beard, Willow's father. The situation grew increasingly tense as October approached. Tragically, on October 2, 2020, Alyssa's life ended when she was attacked outside her workplace at the Green Tree Apartments leasing office in Carrollton, Texas.
Following this devastating event, Alyssa's family gained custody of Willow. They remain dedicated to preserving the memory of a young mother whose determination and strength continue to inspire those who knew her.
The Murder of Alyssa Ann Brette
The Custody Conflict and Growing Tensions
Alyssa Ann Brette, born December 31, 1995, was a 24-year-old mother living in Roy City, Texas with her one-year-old daughter Willow Anne. Known for her strong will and determination, Alyssa had built a good life for herself and her child. In the fall of 2020, she became embroiled in an increasingly contentious custody battle with her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Charles Beard. This dispute took a dark turn as tensions escalated between the former couple.
Prior to the murder, Alyssa had been subjected to a series of calculated harassment campaigns. A GPS tracking device was discovered on her vehicle, enabling Beard to monitor her movements. Multiple false reports were made to authorities, including claims that she was driving erratically and dealing drugs. In one particularly troubling incident, investigators discovered that drugs and a firearm had been planted in Alyssa's car to frame her.
The Deadly Conspiracy
Beard and his fiancée Holly Anne Elkins meticulously orchestrated their plan against Alyssa. Their preparation began weeks before the murder, with careful acquisition of items needed for the attack. Key purchases included:
Date Item Purpose September 11, 2020 Black rain suit (paid in cash) Disguise during attack Mid-September Dark makeup To disguise Beard as a Black man September 19, 2020 410 shotgun shells and a knife Murder weapons
The couple had previously hired a private investigator to find incriminating information about Alyssa, but this effort proved unsuccessful. Investigators later found an envelope at the couple's home containing Alyssa's license plate number and vehicle details—information consistent with what would be needed to file false police reports.
The Fatal Attack
On the morning of October 2, 2020, Beard executed their lethal plan. Dressed in the black rain suit with his face painted black as a disguise, he approached Alyssa's car outside her workplace at the Green Tree Apartments leasing office in Carrollton, Texas. Alyssa had just arrived at work and was still sitting in her vehicle when Beard shot her in the head with a shotgun.
Despite being gravely wounded, Alyssa managed to stagger out of her car in a desperate attempt to escape. Beard returned and stabbed her multiple times, ensuring she wouldn't survive the attack. During the murder, Elkins remained at Beard's home with Willow, later providing a false alibi by claiming Beard had been home the entire time.
Law enforcement quickly identified Beard as the prime suspect. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in death and using a firearm in a violent crime, receiving a 43-year federal prison sentence. Elkins was convicted in April 2024 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 two consecutive life terms in federal prison.
The Murder Investigation and Court Proceedings
Identifying the Perpetrators
The investigation into Alyssa's murder moved quickly, with authorities focusing on Andrew Beard within hours of the crime. Investigators had strong reasons to suspect him due to the ongoing custody battle over their daughter Willow. His fiancée, Holly Anne Elkins, also became a person of interest as evidence mounted regarding her involvement. Both individuals had demonstrated a pattern of hostility toward Alyssa prior to her death, including orchestrating false police reports and planting incriminating items in her vehicle.
Police discovered that someone had placed a GPS tracking device on Alyssa's car and made multiple false 911 calls claiming she was driving dangerously or dealing drugs. These attempts to damage her reputation and custody prospects became critical evidence linking Beard and Elkins to the crime.
Collecting Evidence
Investigators uncovered a trail of damning evidence against the suspects. When they searched Beard and Elkins' residence, they found an envelope containing Alyssa's license plate number, vehicle color, and model—information consistent with making false police reports. Their financial records revealed several suspicious purchases:
Date Purchase Method Significance September 11, 2020 Black rain suit Cash Used as disguise during murder Mid-September Dark makeup Credit card (Elkins) Used to disguise Beard's appearance September 19, 2020 410 shotgun shells and knife Unknown Murder weapons
The investigation also revealed that the couple had hired a private investigator to find compromising information about Alyssa. When this effort proved fruitless, they apparently resorted to more extreme measures. The timing of these purchases, just weeks before the murder, demonstrated clear premeditation.
Arrests and Sentencing
Both Beard and Elkins were arrested after authorities compiled the overwhelming evidence against them. Despite Elkins providing a false alibi claiming Beard was home during the murder, the prosecution built a solid case against both defendants.
In 2022, Andrew Beard pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in death and using a firearm in a violent crime. The court sentenced him to 43 years in federal prison for his role as the primary perpetrator.
Holly Anne Elkins faced trial in April 2024, where a jury convicted her on multiple charges:
Conspiracy to stalk
Stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Four months later, in August 2024, Elkins received two consecutive life terms in federal prison for her central role in planning Alyssa's murder. Following these convictions, Alyssa's family gained custody of Willow, the child at the center of the custody dispute that triggered these tragic events.
Alyssa Ann Brette's Legacy
Alyssa Ann Brette was born December 31, 1995, in Mesquite, Texas, to parents Josh and Teresa. By age 24, she resided in Royse City, Texas, where she was raising her one-year-old daughter, Willow Anne. Friends and family described Alyssa as strong-willed, ambitious, and determined, with natural leadership qualities that drew others to her.
In 2020, Alyssa found herself entangled in a contentious custody battle with her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Charles Beard. The dispute escalated dangerously over time, setting the stage for a tragic conclusion to her young life.
On October 2, 2020, Alyssa arrived at her workplace—the Green Tree Apartments leasing office in Carrollton, Texas. While sitting in her car, she was approached by a disguised assailant who shot her. Despite her injuries, Alyssa attempted to escape, only to be stabbed multiple times. She died at the scene.
Prior Harassment Campaign
In the months before her murder, Alyssa faced systematic harassment:
GPS tracking device placed on her vehicle
False 911 call claiming she was driving erratically
Anonymous tip to police falsely labeling her a drug dealer
Drugs and a firearm planted in her car
Investigators quickly connected these incidents to Beard and his fiancée, Holly Anne Elkins, who harbored intense animosity toward Alyssa.
Evidence of Premeditation
The murder investigation revealed careful planning:
Date Action September 11, 2020 Beard purchased a black rain suit with cash Mid-September Elkins bought dark makeup for disguise purposes September 19, 2020 Purchase of 410 shotgun shells and knife used in the murder
When authorities searched Beard and Elkins' home, they discovered an envelope containing Alyssa's license plate number and vehicle description. It was also revealed that they had hired a private investigator to find compromising information about Alyssa, but nothing was uncovered.
Justice Served
In 2022, Beard pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in death and using a firearm in a violent crime, receiving a 43-year federal prison sentence. Elkins was later convicted of conspiracy to stalk, stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death, and firearms charges. She received two consecutive life sentences in August 2024.
Following Alyssa's murder, her family gained custody of Willow and has dedicated themselves to preserving her memory. Her story stands as a stark reminder of how dangerous domestic disputes can become and the importance of recognizing warning signs in volatile relationships.
Christy Dawson's Professional Journey and Personal Story
Career Accomplishments
Christy Dawson established herself as a respected pharmaceutical scientist after graduating from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Her research focused primarily on social health determinants affecting low-income communities, earning her recognition in the pharmaceutical field. By 2022, at age 36, Christy had built a successful career at Kroger in Memphis, where she worked as a pharmacist before receiving a promotion to store manager at the Menenhall location. Her dedication to her profession demonstrated her commitment to healthcare and community service.
Family Life and Relationship
Christy's personal life took a significant turn when she met Bradley Robert Dawson, a 40-year-old IT specialist working at Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to child welfare. Their relationship progressed rapidly—they met in November 2021 and married just three months later. Following their wedding, the couple planned what should have been a dream honeymoon at the exclusive Turtle Island Resort in Fiji, a private 500-acre retreat that accommodates only four couples at a time. This destination had particular significance for Bradley, who had previously visited with his former spouse.
Bradley, originally from Middletown, New York, had a brief previous marriage that ended in divorce shortly before he met Christy. Tragically, what began as a romantic getaway ended in horror when Christy was found dead in their cottage bathroom on July 9, 2022, following reports of an argument and disturbing noises the previous night. Bradley was later arrested, tried, and ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years before possibility of parole.
The Tragic Honeymoon of Christy Dawson
Fiji Resort Getaway
Christy Dawson, a 36-year-old accomplished pharmaceutical scientist and Kroger pharmacy manager, traveled to Fiji in July 2022 with her new husband Bradley Robert Dawson. The couple had married just three months after meeting in November 2021. They chose the exclusive Turtle Island Resort for their honeymoon, a private 500-acre retreat that accommodates only four couples at a time.
The resort held special significance for Bradley, a 40-year-old IT specialist working for Youth Villages, as he had previously visited with his ex-wife. Bradley had finalized his divorce just one month before marrying Christy. The tropical paradise, famous as the filming location for "The Blue Lagoon," promised a romantic getaway for the newlyweds.
The Fatal Evening
On July 8, 2022, Christy and Bradley were seen enjoying themselves at the resort's floating bar, drinking and dancing together. As the evening progressed, witnesses reported the couple became involved in an argument before returning to their private cottage.
During the night, guests in nearby accommodations heard concerning sounds—loud banging noises followed by a scream emanating from the Dawsons' suite. The situation escalated dramatically inside their cottage, particularly in the bathroom where the confrontation turned violent.
According to court records, Bradley later claimed he "lost it" during their argument. The altercation resulted in devastating consequences: a broken toilet, shattered glass, and ultimately, fatal injuries to Christy who suffered severe blunt force trauma to her head.
Aftermath and Justice
When the couple failed to appear for both breakfast and lunch the following day, resort staff grew concerned. Despite a "do not disturb" sign hanging on their door, a housekeeper was sent to check on their welfare. Upon entering, they discovered Christy's body in the bathroom.
Bradley was nowhere to be found at the resort. Authorities later located him at Maavu Village after local residents alerted police. When apprehended, he had:
His passport
Christy's credit cards
Both drivers' licenses
$11,000 in cash
Christy's injuries were so severe that embalming proved impossible. Her parents, who had funded the couple's honeymoon, had to cremate her remains before bringing her ashes back to the United States.
Following an eight-day trial in December 2023, Bradley was convicted of murder. On February 11, 2024, he received a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years before becoming eligible for parole.
The Christy Child Chin Dawson Case
Investigation and Arrest of Bradley Dawson
Christy Child Chin Dawson, a successful pharmaceutical scientist and Kroger pharmacy manager, met her untimely death during her honeymoon at Fiji's exclusive Turtle Island Resort in July 2022. The 36-year-old Tennessee graduate had married Bradley Robert Dawson, a 40-year-old IT specialist from Youth Villages, just months before their fateful trip. Their relationship had progressed rapidly, with the couple meeting in November 2021 and marrying just three months later.
On July 8, 2022, the couple was seen enjoying drinks and dancing at the resort's floating bar. Witnesses later reported hearing an argument between the pair, followed by loud banging noises and screaming from their private cottage. When the couple failed to appear for meals the following day, concerned staff entered their room despite the "do not disturb" sign.
Hotel staff made a horrifying discovery – Christy's body in the bathroom with severe head trauma. Bradley was nowhere to be found. Local authorities launched an immediate search and eventually located him at Maavu Village with incriminating items:
Christy's credit cards
Both of their driver's licenses
His passport
$11,000 in cash
Indigenous villagers had alerted authorities to his presence, leading to his prompt arrest. When taken into custody, Bradley initially confessed to the crime but later retracted his statement.
Trial and Conviction
Though Bradley denied making a confession, his unsigned statement was read in court during his trial. According to this statement, the couple had attended a beach party where Christy consumed shots while Bradley drank kava, a traditional Fijian beverage. He claimed they argued on their way back to their cottage, though he couldn't recall specific details due to intoxication.
The statement detailed a bathroom confrontation where Bradley claimed Christy pushed him, causing him to "lose it." This led to a violent altercation resulting in a broken toilet, shattered glass, and ultimately, Christy's death on the bathroom floor. The medical examiner determined she died from traumatic brain injury after suffering multiple wounds across her body.
Christy's injuries were so severe that embalming was impossible. Her grieving parents, who had funded the couple's honeymoon, were forced to cremate her remains before bringing her ashes back to the United States. The eight-day trial concluded in December 2023 with the jury finding Bradley Dawson guilty of murder.
Sentencing
On February 11, 2024, Bradley Dawson received his sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years before becoming eligible for parole. The severity of the sentence reflected the brutal nature of the crime and the premeditated actions following Christy's death.
At the time of sentencing, prosecutors emphasized Bradley's attempt to flee and the suspicious items in his possession when apprehended. The court also noted the particular cruelty of committing such violence during what should have been a celebratory honeymoon at an exclusive resort known for its romantic atmosphere.
Bradley, who had previously been married and divorced shortly before meeting Christy, will be approximately 58 years old when first eligible for parole consideration.
Ernestine Mortimore's Journey
Life and Community Connections
Ernestine Mortimore was a beloved 75-year-old resident of Riviera Beach, Florida. Her neighbors knew her as someone with an extraordinary capacity for kindness and generosity. She frequently offered assistance to those living around her, building strong relationships throughout her community. Despite her advanced age, Ernestine remained active in neighborhood affairs and was respected for her willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
The Tragic Unsolved Case
On April 28, 1995, tragedy struck when Ernestine was discovered in her home, having been brutally beaten and strangled to death. Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation, with early focus on two potential suspects: her neighbor Willie Rogers and another local man. Residents in the area directed police attention toward both individuals during the initial phase of the investigation. Police collected DNA samples from the men as part of their evidence gathering process. Though questioned about their possible involvement, both suspects firmly denied any connection to the crime. The investigation faced significant challenges, and despite early leads, Ernestine's murder case remains unsolved, leaving her community without closure regarding this shocking loss.
