A MARRIAGE ended in murder when a husband was awakened from his sleep and sustained a gunshot to the stomach.
As police investigated the matter, they uncovered the culprit behind millionaire Steven Beard’s death.
Who was Steven Beard?
Born on November 27, 1924, the late Steven Beard was an American businessman and local TV figure from Dallas, Texas.
Steven was a co-founder of the Austin-based TV station KBVO, which was later changed to KEYE.
On February 18, 1995, he married his second wife, Celeste Johnson.
Prior to his wedding to Celeste, he was a widower, and his first wife Elise Helen Adams passed away from cancer in 1993.
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On January 22, 2000, 75-year-old Steven succumbed to a blood clot that was caused by a gunshot wound from months earlier.
He is survived by his and Elise’s three children Steven III, Becky, and Paul.
What happened to Steven?
On October 2, 1999, an intruder made their way into Steven and Celeste’s home.
The intruder shot Steven and he phoned the police as an ambulance rushed him to the hospital.
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On February 16, 2001, a woman named Tracey Tarlton was charged for her involvement in the late businessman’s death.
It turns out, Tracey was one of the patients at the same mental health facility where Steven’s wife, Celeste, was also a patient.
During their stay at the mental health facility, Tracey and Celeste began an affair.
On March 28, 2002, Celeste was charged for her part in Steven’s murder too.
At this time, Tracey already pleaded guilty in exchange for testifying against her former lover.
On March 19, 2003, Celeste was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
Meanwhile, her former lover and accomplice Tracey was sentenced to 20 years behind bars but was released in August 2011.
Steven’s final resting place is located at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery and Mausoleum in Texas.
How can I watch Steven’s episode of 20/20?
Steven’s murder case is featured in an episode of ABC’s 20/20 titled Tainted Love.
On November 18, 2022, viewers are able to catch the retelling when Tainted Love premieres that Friday night at 9pm EST on ABC.
Anchored by host John Quinones, unearthed audio from the victim’s police call will be aired during the broadcast.
In the audio, the late Steven can be heard telling the 911 operator: “I need an ambulance. Hurry, my guts just jumped out of my stomach.
“They blew out. Yeah, they blew out of my stomach. They’re lying on my stomach.
“I’m in bed. I’m in awful pain. I don’t know what happened. I’ve never had this happen before.”
For those that miss the special’s initial Friday night airing, there are streaming options available.
When the episode’s cable premiere concludes, audiences can head on over to watch the special by streaming it on Hulu