I want to call them the Menendez sisters.". Five months after his death, Celeste married 41-year-old Cole Johnson. Celeste Beard Johnson's story was a twisted one: meet a rich elderly widower, marry him, live a life of luxury, and after he tries to put a stop to your outrageous spending, kill him or rather, convince a close friend to do it for you. Tracey Tarlton is psychotic. Although Tracey would eventually confess to shooting Steve, she quickly informed authorities that Celeste had asked her to do it. View our online Press Pack. Prosecutors say in the spring of 1999, six months before the shooting, Celeste chose murder over divorce as the best way to cash in on Stevens fortune. wrote a cookbook, "From the Big House to Your House," about meals she made in. Tarlton has kept to herself and has not participated in any of the shows about her story. Celestes argument was that her children were greedy and deceptive. Following her third unsuccessful marriage in 1993, Celeste and her girls moved to Texas, where she met and married widower Steven Beard, a man 35 years her senior. Beard, a retired Fox Broadcasting executive and self-made multi-millionaire more than twice her age, was a widower whose wife had died of cancer. Once on trial, Celeste pleaded not guilty. However, Celestes life was in Tarltons hands who finally agreed to testify against her friend in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. Before his passing, the self-made millionaire could call 911 for help, telling the operator that "my guts are in my hands.". "But you don't know what's going to happen." "It makes me sick, Celeste told Oxygen. Tracey says she wanted to help. "I was devastated," said Celeste. But, of course, the big question is: What happened to Tracey Tarlton, the woman who admitted to shooting Steve Beard? [9], In 2003, Johnson was convicted of capital murder, under The Texas Law of Parties,[10] receiving a mandatory life sentence. Where is Lloyd Averys Killer Kevin Roby Now? Well, that's a tale to read on. Celeste Beard Johnson is pictured after getting her associate degree in prison. Beard is behind bars for the murder of her millionaire husband. They hated Steven. Shortly before her murder trial began in March 2002, Tarlton told police that Johnson had persuaded her to shoot Beard, claiming that he had emotionally abused Johnson to the point of suicide. They thought he was no fun, says Celeste. Both of her daughters told ABC News they dont forgive her. She and two other wounded victims survived the shooting, but another party guest died from his injuries, according to theAustin American-Statesman. Johnson met Steve Beard, a 68-year-old retired TV executive, while working. [11][12] Johnson continues to maintain her innocence for 19+ years and as of 2019[update] is imprisoned at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville. Amid relationship drama in their marriage, Celeste checked herself into a mental health facility, where she met fellow patient Tracey Tarlton, a woman who killed Steve in 1999, according toOxygen. I just wish somebody could come forward and help me." Thus, to cure her depression, she chose to enroll herself in Saint Davids Pavilion, a mental health facility. Kristina, who has made a successful career as Kristina Fritz in California, claims that her sister is unable to work and consequently relies on her for financial support. So now, if you wish to learn more about the two women who have always believed in Celestes wrongful hand in the matter her daughters Jennifer and Kristina weve got the details for you. Celeste says that if shes convicted, the twins would get a share of her inheritance -- an estimated $2 million each. Speaking to ABC News correspondent John Quiones from her jail cell, she told him that what she wanted more than anything was to speak with her daughters. Eventually, Steven was made aware of Celeste trying to steal precious jewelry that belonged to his late wife, causing the millionaire to file for divorce. Secrets of a Gold Digger Killerpremieres Sunday, June 13, at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime. Celeste Beard Johnson (born February 13, 1963), more commonly known as Celeste Beard, is an American convicted murderer who is serving a life sentence at the Lane Murray (SHU) in Gatesville, Texas, for the 1999 murder of her millionaire husband, Steven Beard. Celeste said "I never changed his bandages; I never did anything like they're saying." Trivia: Fraternal twin sister of Kristina Beard, she was adopted by Steven Beard upon his marriage to her mother, Celeste Beard Johnson. She was saying psychological, horrible stuff, said Kristina. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. He was incredibly wealthy and, at 70, was significantly older than Celeste. The prosecution focused heavily on the alleged relationship between Celeste and Tracey. In November 2017, Jennifer was shot multiple times by her then-roommate Randall Gaston Jones at their Halloween party in Austin, Texas. DeGuerin had Traceys secret diary. Based on a true story, the movie follows wealthy widower Steve Beard ( Riverdale 's Eli Gabay) as he courts and weds a pretty and flirtatious waitress (Benz) at his Austin, Texas country club and. Prior to the murder, Johnson worked as a waitress at a country club in Austin, Texas, which is where she and Beard first met. At Johnson's trial, prosecutors charged that she had married Beard for his money and wanted him dead because he was tired of her extravagant spending and was considering divorce. Beard's two daughters testified against their mum in trial, and claimed she had sought a . Celestes conviction gave the kids a piece of their mothers inheritance an estimated $2 million because they were specifically listed in Stevens will, alongside his daughters from his first marriage. Where are her daughters now? Celeste's daughters, Jennifer and Kristina, recently made news in relation to another murder case. What would make Celestes own children betray her? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Kristina Beard is the daughter of Celeste Beard and the late Steven Beard. Celeste Beard's story was told in a recent episode of the popular ABC show, which features an interview with Beard and her twin daughters, who testified against their mother when she was on trial for murdering their stepfather. According to Oxygen, Celeste loved spending Steve's money at an alarming rate. The show featured interviews with Celeste, her two daughters, and other people in the case. Leon Baucham Murder: Where Is Killer Jacqueline Ray Now? February 2019 article in the Austin American Statesman: Evidently, they would both receive more money from Steves estate if their mother was behind bars. I cared very much for Tracey, as a friend.. Each case is divided up into two episodes one episode is comprised of the accused individual telling their side of the story, while the second episode is from the victim's perspective. I think, in her mind, she did it for her family, her children. According to Johnson and several witnesses, Tarlton tried to kiss her after she had passed out during her daughters' 1999 high school graduation. The police even managed to cut her a deal by promising her a reduced 20-year prison sentence if she testified against Celeste at her trial. Tracey herself testified at Celestes trial and alleged that she had an affair with her. Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Keto Diet Questions And Answers, Big Brother Season 23 Episode 13 Release Date & Spoiler. [15][16][17][18][19][20] Previously unrevealed information about the lives, the crime, and the trial in the exclusive biography, The Celeste Beard Johnson Story, was released in 2019. The judge ruled the tape was authentic and admissible. One of the victims regrettably died, while Jennifer apparently required 10 surgeries to heal from the wounds to her stomach, which left her short of breath. She told Tracey that with Steve gone, they could be together., This is a case of fatal attraction. Oxygengave an update on Celeste in November 2020, reporting that she remains in custody in Texas and will not be eligible for parole until 2042. Secrets of a Gold Digger Killeris a TV movie starringDexteralum Julie Benz as Celeste. Jennifer and Kristina testified against their mother during her murder trial in 2002, citing all of the information above. Everything You Want to Know. We dont know if Kristina has reached out to her at all. Tarlton would go on to shoot Steven, which she said was upon Celestes request. Only hours after Steve was shot, police received a tip, and Tarlton became a suspect. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. Celeste says her daughters are lying about everything, even their claims that they loved Steven. The Mogul's New, How Rich Is The Island Boys Net Worth? I did love Tracey, as a friend, says Celeste. However, she still kept the information about Celestes involvement from the police hidden, at least for a while. "They're the ones that talked behind his back. deeply sorry for that. It was Tarlton's testimony that contributed to Celeste's life sentence. It was like everybody was fair game in the room. So what was Celeste's role in this murder? Wreck Season 1 Recap and Ending, Explained, IDs The Murder Tapes Help 712 Ive Been Shot Christopher Hoefling Murder, Lauren Harpe From Survivor 44: Everything We Know, Carolyn Wiger From Survivor 44: Everything We Know, Carson Garrett From Survivor 44: Everything We Know. The victim. Initially, the couple lived a happy and comfortable life, but soon cracks started appearing in his marriage. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) However, there is hope. But, it was her supposed lover who pulled the trigger. Tracey: Until you brought it up, yes. A fundraiser was held in her honor. But when Tracey Tarlton takes the stand, DeGuerin has a surprise for her and the prosecution. She was extremely outrageous and it was challenging for me., She went on: You watch [Celeste] in an interview and she still claims her innocence and shes so believable, Benz says. The police were quick in their investigation to find the shooter. Theyre the ones that talked behind his back. -In the 1991 film "Boyz N the Hood," actor Lloyd Avery made his acting debut as a member of What Happened to the Daughters of Celeste Beard? Stevens family was against the marriage and claimed that Celeste was marrying him just for his money. Celeste Beard was convicted of murdering her millionaire husband in 2003. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. The police began to hear that Johnson had spoken negatively about Beard. "The people who know me and know my story have been very, very supportive of me, and I would not have been able to make it without these people," she said. Steven did not die on the spot and was shifted to a hospital. So many seconds, minutes, hours, days, years go by that I wonder if I will. Moreover, the police found a shotgun cartridge near where the shooting took place. However, he promised to adopt her then 15-year-old daughters, which he did right before their 18th birthday. She got a gun, and then she started just waving it around, said Kristina. Following her third unsuccessful marriage in 1993, Celeste and her girls moved to Texas, where she met and married widower Steven Beard, a man 35 years her senior. I wanted what my kids are getting., During the trial, prosecutors Gary Cobb and Allison Wetzel brought forward a piece of evidence, a recording from Kristina's phone that captured Celeste screaming and saying I hired somebody to kill Tracey.. Thats speaking now that Im removed from the project and shes out of my system.. Steven was shot in the stomach but still had enough strength to call and inform 911 himself. Watch Live: Closing arguments underway in double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. Johnson, who grew up in Camarillo, is in a Texas prison for killing her husband. They met at a mental hospital.". Jennifer and Kristina are a set of identical twins born around the early 1980s to then-17-year-old Celeste Beard Johnson and her first of many husbands, welder Craig Bratcher. Judie Winn Murder: Where is Patricia Tito Now? Even after being arrested and charged with murder, Celeste maintained her innocence. While the latter observed that her mother appeared unconcerned, her sister began recording what she assumed to be violent phone conversations from her, informing her that shed hired someone to kill Tracey, prompting them to draw the conclusion. Celeste had seemingly moved on from her husband's murder. Born in 1963, Johnson, 59, is known as a convicted murderer. Several witnesses saw no unusual problems in Johnson and Beard's marriage, and DeGuerin alleged that Johnson's daughters lied on the witness stand because they would inherit no money if their mother was acquitted. I think those girls, the growing up they had to do with the defendant, is just something thats almost too horrible to imagine., Trending News Thats quite a fall from the fairy-tale life, says friend Marilou. Celestes daughters, Jennifer and Kristina, recently made news in relation to another murder case. According to Jennifer and Kristina, whom he'd officially adopted a month before they turned 18, while he was truly yearning for friendship, she was only pursuing his money. According to Oxygen, Celeste loved spending Steve's money at an alarming rate. Now they're revealing more details about their mother, Celeste Beard, who's currently serving a mandatory life sentence at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville. Meet His Sisters, Brothers,, Who Is Blac Chyna In A Relationship With? Celeste Beard Johnson, then 17 years old, and her first of many husbands, welder Craig Bratcher, gave birth to identical twins Jennifer and Kristina in the early 1980s. Celeste and her daughters relocated to Texas following her third failed union in 1993, shortly after which she met and married widower Steven Beard, a man over 35-years-her senior. She gave it to Tracey instead. Celeste Beard Johnson talks about her relationship with her daughters who testified against her, revealing she hasn t talked to them in years but insisting she did the best she could. On being questioned, Celeste claimed that she was in another room when the shooting occurred. "Celeste had been changing his wounds with dirty hands," she said. He was released from the hospital on January 18, 2000, but had to be readmitted soon after. I dont wake up one single day without feeling shame still held for what I did, she told the outlet. According to People, "five months after Beard died, she [Celeste] married a carpenter named Cole Johnson." } The Austin American-Statesman reported that in October 2017, a man dressed as Santa Claus for a Halloween party he helped throw, shot and killed a partygoer. She even got pregnant during her first marriage and gave birth to two daughters Jennifer and Kristina before she turned 18. By 1999, the depression got so bad that Celeste claimed she was suicidal. Celeste remained unlucky when it came to love and had a string of failed marriages. There is a special pain that comes from knowing that the children you gave birth to and loved are now trying to hurt you. Johnson moved in with Beard after he convinced her that he would legally adopt her daughters. We finally had sex. Tracey: No. tried to make it easy for her. He would love for you to call him dad. And they refused.. Weitzel says while Celeste hated her husband, she loved his money, and used her lover, Tracey Tarlton, to get it. On the other hand, Tracey Tarlton got to serve only ten years of her 20-year sentence as she was released on parole in 2011. She loved Celeste but Celeste didnt love her, says Lofton, who says Tracey was out to punish Celeste for refusing her sexual advances. Although Tracey would eventually confess to shooting Steve, she quickly informed authorities that Celeste had asked her to do it. According to Kristina, who has established a good life for herself in California as Kristina Fritz, her sister can not even work anymore and thus relies on her for financial support. That part was true. She is serving her sentence at Lane Murray in Gatesville, Texas, and will be eligible for parole in April 2042, at the age of 80, according to Oxygen. the 18-year-old daughter of Charlie Sheen and . If you would like more information, read this article the way through. Sadly, this would not be the last time violence would find the Beard twins. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. She had to undergo more than ten surgeries but survived.[23]. Home. Lifetimes Secrets of a Gold Digger sheds light on this case. Celeste Beard's daughters Jennifer Beard and Kristina Fritz during an interview. Tarlton has kept to herself and has not participated in any of the shows about her story. I used to beg them, Call him dad. In a shocking decision, they decided to testify against their mother. #inline-recirc-item--id-a6126aac-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { Celeste remained unlucky when it came to love and had a string of failed marriages. As of the time of this writing, Jennifer Beard has not seen her mother since the trial. During several days of detailed testimony, the twins back up many of Tracey Tarltons claims, beginning with Celestes true feelings for Steven. DeGuerin: Is there a single journal entry in which you say, It finally happened. Meanwhile, Stevens condition was quite critical though doctors managed to fix his wound to the best of their abilities. Celeste says her daughters are lying about everything, even their claims that they loved Steven. } However, he promised to adopt her then 15-year-old daughters, which he did right before their 18th birthday. Based on Tarlton's statement, Johnson was arrested on March 28, 2002. In fact, Celeste once bought a card that said, To the one I love. But she didnt give it to her husband, Steven. I really got attached to him, the latter once said about her stepfather, admitting that apart from providing the twins with some much-needed stability, he also treated them like family. The latest episode of 20/20 tells the story of Celeste Beard, a woman who would go on trial for the murder of her husband, a self-made millionaire named Steven Beard. Celeste was 32 years old when she married Steve Beard. Scorned Lover's Week: Texas vs. Celeste Beard, "Marriage, Money and Murder Vol. [2] Local police tied the shooting to Tracey Tarlton, who Johnson had met at Saint Davids Pavilion, a mental health facility, after Johnson was admitted for depression. Her first marriage and claimed that Celeste had asked her to do it dont forgive.... 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