Melissa Triano

Celeste was voluntarily admitted to St. David's Medical Center for Mental Health in Austin. And how often did you see her or talk to her?

Celeste was voluntarily admitted to St. David's Medical Center for Mental Health in Austin. And how often did you see her or talk to her?

Who did she meet when she was in that mental facility?

Who did she meet when she was in that mental facility?

Tracy was once interviewed about the popular store on C-SPAN.

Tracy was once interviewed about the popular store on C-SPAN.

According to the twins, Celeste even flaunted her relationship with Tracy in front of Steven.

According to the twins, Celeste even flaunted her relationship with Tracy in front of Steven.

Meanwhile, Celeste was lying to Tracy, falsely portraying Steve as a violent and abusive drunk.

Meanwhile, Celeste was lying to Tracy, falsely portraying Steve as a violent and abusive drunk.

I'm here in Austin, Texas for a twisted tale of deceit that played out more than 20 years ago. One woman's fairy tale turned into betrayal and murder in a case that tore apart an entire family. And it all began with a fateful meeting right here at the Austin Country Club.

I'm here in Austin, Texas for a twisted tale of deceit that played out more than 20 years ago. One woman's fairy tale turned into betrayal and murder in a case that tore apart an entire family. And it all began with a fateful meeting right here at the Austin Country Club.

And Celeste allegedly tells Tracy that if she has to go on this trip with Steve, she will die. It'll be that bad.

And Celeste allegedly tells Tracy that if she has to go on this trip with Steve, she will die. It'll be that bad.

Steve is not in the best of health. He requires a special breathing machine at his bedside to help him sleep at night.

Steve is not in the best of health. He requires a special breathing machine at his bedside to help him sleep at night.

Steve was taken by helicopter to Bracken Ridge Hospital.

Steve was taken by helicopter to Bracken Ridge Hospital.

Sergeant Truitt discovers that the intruder entered through the front door, which was unlocked.

Sergeant Truitt discovers that the intruder entered through the front door, which was unlocked.

Celeste seems to have no idea what's happened to Steve, but all Sergeant Truitt really knows at that point is that it was Steve himself who called 911 for help.

Celeste seems to have no idea what's happened to Steve, but all Sergeant Truitt really knows at that point is that it was Steve himself who called 911 for help.

Months after Tracy's arrest, Steve Beard is finally released from the hospital. But he's not out of the woods yet.

Months after Tracy's arrest, Steve Beard is finally released from the hospital. But he's not out of the woods yet.

And soon, with the help of a secret recording, police will turn their scrutiny on Celeste.

And soon, with the help of a secret recording, police will turn their scrutiny on Celeste.

One evening at the club, Steve Beard meets a young, beautiful waitress named Celeste Johnson. And they strike up a friendship.

One evening at the club, Steve Beard meets a young, beautiful waitress named Celeste Johnson. And they strike up a friendship.

Steve's funeral is held at an Austin mausoleum in January of 2000.

Steve's funeral is held at an Austin mausoleum in January of 2000.

What was your reaction when he passed away?

What was your reaction when he passed away?

And how does she act after he passed away?

And how does she act after he passed away?

One of the things that Christina discovers is that Celeste is making large payments of money, thousands of dollars, to her assistant, Donna Goodson.

One of the things that Christina discovers is that Celeste is making large payments of money, thousands of dollars, to her assistant, Donna Goodson.

But soon, there will be allegations that the girls are setting up their own mother.

But soon, there will be allegations that the girls are setting up their own mother.

You never told Tracy to do this? Never.

You never told Tracy to do this? Never.

What do you think was the most important part of your testimony?

What do you think was the most important part of your testimony?

On the tape, you heard, threatened to kill Tracy.

On the tape, you heard, threatened to kill Tracy.

Who are those girls?

Who are those girls?

There's talk that Tracy and Celeste were having an affair. Could Celeste somehow be behind the shooting? That's a big question. Until Celeste's daughters record a sensational phone call with their mom. On that tape, she says, I hired somebody to kill Tracy Tarleton. And that moment changes everything.

There's talk that Tracy and Celeste were having an affair. Could Celeste somehow be behind the shooting? That's a big question. Until Celeste's daughters record a sensational phone call with their mom. On that tape, she says, I hired somebody to kill Tracy Tarleton. And that moment changes everything.

Was she trying to kill the two of you?

Was she trying to kill the two of you?

Jennifer and Christina claim that you were trying to kill Tracy and maybe them too.

Jennifer and Christina claim that you were trying to kill Tracy and maybe them too.

Despite that tape, Celeste denies trying to kill Tracy. And she says the truth is her daughters aren't really afraid of her. They're simply after Steve's money.

Despite that tape, Celeste denies trying to kill Tracy. And she says the truth is her daughters aren't really afraid of her. They're simply after Steve's money.

Celeste Johnson was born in the California town of Culver City on February 13, 1963.

Celeste Johnson was born in the California town of Culver City on February 13, 1963.

In the end, after three days of testimony, the judge rules that Celeste will remain the beneficiary of Steve's trust and his money. And the girls, they're not in control of anything.

In the end, after three days of testimony, the judge rules that Celeste will remain the beneficiary of Steve's trust and his money. And the girls, they're not in control of anything.

Tracy turned on you after that?

Tracy turned on you after that?

She loved you, I guess.

She loved you, I guess.

What Tracy has revealed is really shocking. Prosecutors know they'll never be able to prove it without Tracy's testimony. So what do they do? They make a plea bargain with her.

What Tracy has revealed is really shocking. Prosecutors know they'll never be able to prove it without Tracy's testimony. So what do they do? They make a plea bargain with her.

When did you find out Tracy was implicating you?

When did you find out Tracy was implicating you?

But when Tracy finally does take the stand, Celeste's lawyer is going to try to convince the jury she's delusional.

But when Tracy finally does take the stand, Celeste's lawyer is going to try to convince the jury she's delusional.

But her mother says Celeste became troubled as an adolescent and she sought help for her.

But her mother says Celeste became troubled as an adolescent and she sought help for her.

ABC's Primetime was at the trial from start to finish.

ABC's Primetime was at the trial from start to finish.

They tell the jury Celeste Beard is afraid she will lose millions if her husband Steve divorces her. So she decides to kill him. That isn't unheard of.

They tell the jury Celeste Beard is afraid she will lose millions if her husband Steve divorces her. So she decides to kill him. That isn't unheard of.

But getting her alleged lover, Tracy Tarleton, to do it for her? Now that is unusual. And it was a factor in the public interest.

But getting her alleged lover, Tracy Tarleton, to do it for her? Now that is unusual. And it was a factor in the public interest.

If you listen to what Tracy has to say about the relationship she had with Celeste, you would definitely be led to believe that it was serious, very intimate, and very passionate.

If you listen to what Tracy has to say about the relationship she had with Celeste, you would definitely be led to believe that it was serious, very intimate, and very passionate.

And what Celeste wanted, according to Tracy's testimony, was to harm Steve.

And what Celeste wanted, according to Tracy's testimony, was to harm Steve.

But some of the things she claimed to know turned out to be lies she was told by Celeste.

But some of the things she claimed to know turned out to be lies she was told by Celeste.

It's a compelling and very chilling story, but now comes the defense, telling the jury, don't believe any of it.

It's a compelling and very chilling story, but now comes the defense, telling the jury, don't believe any of it.

You never told Tracy to do this, to shoot Steve?

You never told Tracy to do this, to shoot Steve?

And early in the marriage, Craig Bratcher decides to up and relocate the family to Washington State without consulting Celeste.

And early in the marriage, Craig Bratcher decides to up and relocate the family to Washington State without consulting Celeste.

So DeGaran's trying to drive home the point that everything Tracy is doing is really to save herself.

So DeGaran's trying to drive home the point that everything Tracy is doing is really to save herself.

Who will that be? How about Celeste's own daughters?

Who will that be? How about Celeste's own daughters?

A lot of people watching this might say, God, you were her daughters. How could you testify against your own mother?

A lot of people watching this might say, God, you were her daughters. How could you testify against your own mother?

You never had that.

You never had that.

What do you think was the most important part of your testimony?

What do you think was the most important part of your testimony?

Yes, that's correct. Remember, the tape is Christina's recording of a phone conversation with Celeste.

Yes, that's correct. Remember, the tape is Christina's recording of a phone conversation with Celeste.

A conversation that both Jennifer and Christina said scared them so much when they were in hiding.

A conversation that both Jennifer and Christina said scared them so much when they were in hiding.

In 1988, Celeste moves to Phoenix and marries another man, but that marriage also quickly falls apart.

In 1988, Celeste moves to Phoenix and marries another man, but that marriage also quickly falls apart.

They go on to give specific details about the night of the shooting.

They go on to give specific details about the night of the shooting.

And about how Steve recovered enough to come home.

And about how Steve recovered enough to come home.

How would Jennifer and Christina supposedly get more money with you out of the picture?

How would Jennifer and Christina supposedly get more money with you out of the picture?

Your lawyer was very hard on your daughters.

Your lawyer was very hard on your daughters.

But the twins say there was one reason they testified, and it wasn't money.

But the twins say there was one reason they testified, and it wasn't money.

You could never get that happiness.

You could never get that happiness.

He accuses them of not only telling lies, but of fabricating evidence. That explosive tape... On the tape, you heard, threatened to kill Tracy.

He accuses them of not only telling lies, but of fabricating evidence. That explosive tape... On the tape, you heard, threatened to kill Tracy.

That money was allegedly to be used to hire a hitman. Donna was given immunity to testify about that at trial against Celeste.

That money was allegedly to be used to hire a hitman. Donna was given immunity to testify about that at trial against Celeste.

Celeste never explained why she paid Donna thousands of dollars. She denied the allegations about hiring a hitman and was never charged in connection with the alleged plot. But for most of this trial, everyone was waiting for the moment when Celeste would take the stand and speak for herself.

Celeste never explained why she paid Donna thousands of dollars. She denied the allegations about hiring a hitman and was never charged in connection with the alleged plot. But for most of this trial, everyone was waiting for the moment when Celeste would take the stand and speak for herself.

Why did you not testify at your own trial?

Why did you not testify at your own trial?

You wanted to.

You wanted to.

What are you thinking when the case goes to the jury? What's going through your mind?

What are you thinking when the case goes to the jury? What's going through your mind?

There's a sentencing hearing the very next day, and Celeste's two daughters have another chance to get on the stand and confront their mother.

There's a sentencing hearing the very next day, and Celeste's two daughters have another chance to get on the stand and confront their mother.

Celeste was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years and fined $10,000 for abuse of an elderly individual.

Celeste was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years and fined $10,000 for abuse of an elderly individual.

I've driven all the way to Central Texas to the Murray unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Behind these walls, Celeste Beard is serving her two life sentences. She's already been in for more than 20 years. And we're about to hear her side of the story.

I've driven all the way to Central Texas to the Murray unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Behind these walls, Celeste Beard is serving her two life sentences. She's already been in for more than 20 years. And we're about to hear her side of the story.

You've been here over 20 years. What has it been like?

You've been here over 20 years. What has it been like?

1993 is a monumental year for Celeste. At the time, she was working that job as a waitress at the Austin Country Club.

1993 is a monumental year for Celeste. At the time, she was working that job as a waitress at the Austin Country Club.

Then you hear the verdict. What goes through your mind?

Then you hear the verdict. What goes through your mind?

Worse than death?

Worse than death?

But whatever happened to Tracy Tarleton, the woman who actually pulled the trigger on Steve Beard?

But whatever happened to Tracy Tarleton, the woman who actually pulled the trigger on Steve Beard?

Tracy Tarleton was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder, but released after 10 and placed on 12 years of probation.

Tracy Tarleton was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder, but released after 10 and placed on 12 years of probation.

Does it bother you that Tracy is now out there in the world living free?

Does it bother you that Tracy is now out there in the world living free?

Celeste won't be eligible for parole until the year 2042, when she'll be 80 years old.

Celeste won't be eligible for parole until the year 2042, when she'll be 80 years old.

The twins are not living near each other, but they found some calm after their roller coaster of a life with Celeste.

The twins are not living near each other, but they found some calm after their roller coaster of a life with Celeste.

Did you wind up getting any money from Steve's estate?

Did you wind up getting any money from Steve's estate?

Christina, she has two daughters of her own.

Christina, she has two daughters of her own.

As a child, that you never did.

As a child, that you never did.

The twins say they've not seen or spoken to Celeste since the trial in 2003. What do you want right now more than anything?

The twins say they've not seen or spoken to Celeste since the trial in 2003. What do you want right now more than anything?

If we get a chance to talk to them, what you would tell them?

If we get a chance to talk to them, what you would tell them?

And I would love to know my granddaughters.

And I would love to know my granddaughters.

You can't forgive her?

You can't forgive her?

Soon, Celeste divorces Jimmy Martinez, her third husband. Did the family seem happy?

Soon, Celeste divorces Jimmy Martinez, her third husband. Did the family seem happy?

Tonight on 2020, we're in Texas for one of the trickiest possible love triangles we've ever covered. And like many of them, it ends with a dead body. Was she trying to kill the two of you?

Tonight on 2020, we're in Texas for one of the trickiest possible love triangles we've ever covered. And like many of them, it ends with a dead body. Was she trying to kill the two of you?

And wealth was coming to Austin. People are becoming millionaires, and one of them is Steve Beard.

And wealth was coming to Austin. People are becoming millionaires, and one of them is Steve Beard.

Steve and Elise were married for more than 40 years, and together they had three children, Steve Jr., Paul, and Becky.

Steve and Elise were married for more than 40 years, and together they had three children, Steve Jr., Paul, and Becky.

Steve moves Celeste into his mansion quickly. When his friends wonder who she is, Steve tells them Celeste is working for him.

Steve moves Celeste into his mansion quickly. When his friends wonder who she is, Steve tells them Celeste is working for him.

When Celeste and Steve got married, Steve promised her a million dollars. But if their marriage were to end in divorce, she would then only get $500,000.

When Celeste and Steve got married, Steve promised her a million dollars. But if their marriage were to end in divorce, she would then only get $500,000.

After their natural father has died, Celeste asked Steven to adopt the twins, even though they're 17 years old.

After their natural father has died, Celeste asked Steven to adopt the twins, even though they're 17 years old.

Do you know why he adopted you?

Do you know why he adopted you?

And for a while, everyone was happy and Celeste achieved the life she wanted. But settled and secure, as it turns out, is not Celeste's nature.

And for a while, everyone was happy and Celeste achieved the life she wanted. But settled and secure, as it turns out, is not Celeste's nature.

How much were you spending a month?

How much were you spending a month?

It was less or more?

It was less or more?

Celeste then allegedly started taking jewelry from Stephen's safety deposit box.

Celeste then allegedly started taking jewelry from Stephen's safety deposit box.

They brought it to me, and in that notebook was Melissa Triano, license plate Missy. My license plate said Missy on a black Corvette, and that was my car. So he had been following me, and it was terrifying.

They brought it to me, and in that notebook was Melissa Triano, license plate Missy. My license plate said Missy on a black Corvette, and that was my car. So he had been following me, and it was terrifying.

Nothing went her way through that whole divorce, and she was furious by it.

Nothing went her way through that whole divorce, and she was furious by it.

Nothing went her way through that whole divorce, and she was furious by it. And she wanted money. She needed money to continue her lifestyle.

Nothing went her way through that whole divorce, and she was furious by it. And she wanted money. She needed money to continue her lifestyle.

If I said my name, you know, I get a million questions or a million comments on the matter. Are you related to Boom Boom Triano? Like horrible things people would say.

If I said my name, you know, I get a million questions or a million comments on the matter. Are you related to Boom Boom Triano? Like horrible things people would say.

Boom Boom Triano was one. There was all kinds of weird names, weird things that they said.

Boom Boom Triano was one. There was all kinds of weird names, weird things that they said.

This picture is because it was on my birthday 15, 16 days before he died. He was very kind and gracious and generous.

This picture is because it was on my birthday 15, 16 days before he died. He was very kind and gracious and generous.

It changed my life. He was the only person that really believed in me and made me feel like I could, you know, be successful with anything.

It changed my life. He was the only person that really believed in me and made me feel like I could, you know, be successful with anything.

We still need Pam, and there's a long road still with that.

We still need Pam, and there's a long road still with that.

I think her flight came in at midnight, and we stood outside of the airport and watched her come off the plane.

I think her flight came in at midnight, and we stood outside of the airport and watched her come off the plane.

I wanted her to see our faces and to know that we were never giving up on bringing her to justice.

I wanted her to see our faces and to know that we were never giving up on bringing her to justice.

It was very difficult to sit through when photos or evidence was going to be shown that would be hard. I would get up and walk out.

It was very difficult to sit through when photos or evidence was going to be shown that would be hard. I would get up and walk out.

It was knowing the truth.

It was knowing the truth.

Corvette convertible niece.

Corvette convertible niece.

The lights flickered in the courtroom. My cousin Heather was sitting in front of me, and she turned and looked, and we just lost it.

The lights flickered in the courtroom. My cousin Heather was sitting in front of me, and she turned and looked, and we just lost it.

Like seconds after the judge said guilty, the lights flickered in the courtroom. It was surreal. What did that tell you, those lights flickering? That he was there. That he knows.

Like seconds after the judge said guilty, the lights flickered in the courtroom. It was surreal. What did that tell you, those lights flickering? That he was there. That he knows.

I think I remember that now that you say that, yeah.

I think I remember that now that you say that, yeah.

Every November 1st, I would go to La Paloma Golf Course and put flowers in the 18th hole.

Every November 1st, I would go to La Paloma Golf Course and put flowers in the 18th hole.

if you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same. If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it on one turn of pitch and toss and lose and start again at your beginning and never breathe a word about your loss. And that's just how my uncle lived.

if you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same. If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it on one turn of pitch and toss and lose and start again at your beginning and never breathe a word about your loss. And that's just how my uncle lived.

I still can see it when I close my eyes.

I still can see it when I close my eyes.

Just panic, shock. I didn't think it was real. The whole top of the car was gone. I still can see it when I close my eyes.

Just panic, shock. I didn't think it was real. The whole top of the car was gone. I still can see it when I close my eyes.

Somebody sent a message and you don't know if they're coming for you next or if it's the whole family. You know, I didn't know if he was involved with something that might want to hurt us all. You were on guard all the time.

Somebody sent a message and you don't know if they're coming for you next or if it's the whole family. You know, I didn't know if he was involved with something that might want to hurt us all. You were on guard all the time.

He was a wonderful father. He was a true gentleman and a true kind person.

He was a wonderful father. He was a true gentleman and a true kind person.

Did you ever see your uncle's movie? Oh my gosh, yes. In fact, I had a horse once and I named it Mafu.

Did you ever see your uncle's movie? Oh my gosh, yes. In fact, I had a horse once and I named it Mafu.