Retired television executive Steven Beard was shot in his Texas home in 1999 and later died from complications. Investigators uncovered a plot involving his wife, Celeste, and Tracey Tarlton, who fired the shot. Tarlton testified against Celeste, and the prosecution argued that the killing was arranged for financial gain.
Content note: violence, abuse, or loss. Linked material may contain graphic descriptions. Screen dramatizations may change events and dialogue.
Austin, Texas. The map provides regional context; individually verified historical places are listed below.
Map sources checked September 14, 2026. No case-specific Odd Stops location was found in this review.
See this case’s source review
Odd Stops
No verified match found. Source imagery is linked; only separately licensed photos are reproduced.
MurderData
No verified match found.
ArcGIS essay
Not included in this essay.
Reddit map
Reviewed as a general resource. Its coordinates and victim counts were not adopted as case evidence.
“No verified match” describes the accessible material found in this review, not proof that a source has never covered the case. MAP’s anonymous records were not individually matched to people.
Watch links, previews, and historical title listings are identified below. Availability varies by service and region; rentals or subscriptions may be required.
Lifetime
Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer
Dramatized screen account. Follow the link for the title listing or available viewing options; scenes and dialogue may be adapted.
Watch links, previews, and historical title listings are identified below. Availability varies by service and region; rentals or subscriptions may be required.
IMDb · TV episode
Snapped — Celeste Beard Johnson (2004)
IMDb episode reference connected to the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Listed release: 2004. Cast, credits, and title information; viewing availability is separate.
Snapped: Behind Bars — Celeste Beard Johnson (2021)
IMDb episode reference connected to the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Listed release: 2021. Cast, credits, and title information; viewing availability is separate.
IMDb episode reference connected to the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Listed release: 2009. Cast, credits, and title information; viewing availability is separate.
Original newspaper coverage, hosted by Newspapers.com. Read each article in the context of its publication date; later findings may differ. Full-page access may require sign-in.
Featured newspaper clipping
Read a featured clipping here, then explore more reporting in the newspaper archive.
Austin American-Statesman · 2002-03-30 · Page 34
Celeste Beard indicted in her husband’s killing
The newspaper describes the indictment and the earlier case against Tracey Tarlton.
A continuation of pretrial reporting; charges were allegations.
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Case videos, posts, family pages, and creator communities. Creator channels and groups cover multiple cases; each includes a link to the relevant episode. Facebook or TikTok may require sign-in, and groups may require membership approval. Community opinions are separate from verified reporting.
Outside blogs, personal essays, and creator write-ups. These reflect each author’s perspective. Check publication dates and compare claims with reporting and court records.
This section is awaiting its first entry.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
09Internet Archive
0 items
Individual records from Internet Archive: library books, historical broadcasts, and preserved web pages. A catalog listing does not guarantee free reading or full playback. Access, previews, and borrowing are controlled by Internet Archive.
This section is awaiting its first entry.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
10From the journal
0 articles
This section is awaiting its first entry.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
11Court records & documents
1 items
Court opinions, filings, transcripts, and dockets, alongside clearly labeled parole records, released investigative files, and courtroom recordings. Each item identifies its source and scope. Allegations in filings are not findings of guilt. These selections are not complete case files. Where an online document could not be verified, a separate guide identifies the records office or archive to contact.
Court opinionArchive copy
Celeste Beard Johnson v. State — direct appeal
Texas appellate review of the trial concerning Steven Beard’s shooting, including evidence and procedural issues raised by Celeste Beard Johnson.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
13Where are they now?
0 items
The latest information verified for this collection is listed below. Each source has its own date; these are not live custody records.
A current-status update has not been verified for this case yet.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
14Positive Outcome
0 items
Documented laws, advocacy, and reforms connected to this case. Changes do not undo the harm, and listing a law does not claim that it is effective or universally supported.
No case-specific law, reform, or advocacy initiative has been verified for this collection yet. This does not mean that none exists.
New material will appear here after editorial review.
Steven & Celeste Beard — media, court records & case files | Unforgotten Casebook
07Social Media
10 itemsCase videos, posts, family pages, and creator communities. Creator channels and groups cover multiple cases; each includes a link to the relevant episode. Facebook or TikTok may require sign-in, and groups may require membership approval. Community opinions are separate from verified reporting.
True Crime Central
Gold Digger - Lesbian Friend of Celeste Beard Arrested | True Crime Documentary
Video from True Crime Central covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 43:40.
Watch on YouTubeCOURT TV
Trophy Wife Unmasked: Celeste Beard Johnson — Interview With A Killer
Interview or news segment from COURT TV covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 43:34.
Watch on YouTubeProfiling with Pat Brown
The Murder of Steven Beard: Was Celeste Beard Wrongly Convicted? #stevenbeard #celestebeard
Video from Profiling with Pat Brown covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 2:13:58.
Watch on YouTubeChannel 4 Documentaries
Black Widow: Celeste Beard-Johnson | Women Who Kill | Channel 4
Video from Channel 4 Documentaries covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 14:39.
Watch on YouTubeSouthern Fried True Crime
Episode 136: The Conclusion to the Infamous Case of Celeste Beard
Video from Southern Fried True Crime covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 1:12:12.
Watch on YouTubeCriminally Obsessed
Did Celeste Beard Actually Orchestrate Her Texas Media Mogul Husband’s Murder?
Video from Criminally Obsessed covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 43:21.
Watch on YouTubeBanijay Crime - Crime Documentary
Celeste Beard Killed Millionaire Husband Steven
Video from Banijay Crime - Crime Documentary covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 4:05:41.
Watch on YouTubeSouthern Fried True Crime
Episode 135: The Infamous Case of Celeste Beard, Part 1
Video from Southern Fried True Crime covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 44:21.
Watch on YouTubeCriminal Underworld
The Shocking True Story of Celeste Beard - Millionaire Murder Mystery
Video from Criminal Underworld covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 19:01.
Watch on YouTubeCriminally Obsessed and 4 more
CELESTE: Trophy Wife Or Framed For Life
Video from Criminally Obsessed and 4 more covering the Steven & Celeste Beard case. Length: 1:26:02.
Watch on YouTube