Clear and Convincing - Episode 4 - State of Texas v. Celeste Beard Johnson

In the early morning hours of October 2, 1999, Steven Beard called 9-1-1 in Austin, Texas to report a medical emergency.  First responders initially thought Beard was experiencing sudden complications after a recent surgery.  A shotgun shell found on the floor of Beard’s bedroom suggested a more sinister scenario.  Beard’s second wife, Celeste, did her best to keep her friend Tracey Tarlton’s name out of the investigation.  Celeste also refused to allow investigators to speak to her husband and counseled her children and their friends to refuse to cooperate in any investigation.  Tarlton was soon linked to the shooting and initially charged with assault.  When Steven Beard died in January of 2000, the charge was upgraded to murder.  When Celeste remarried, Tarlton broke her long held silence.   Join Lisa O’Brien and Michael Carnahan tonight at 8:00 p.m. Central for Clear and Convincing, Episode 4, State of Texas v. Celeste Beard Johnson.  We’ll talk about the evidence implicating Celeste Beard, her trial, conviction and sentence and direct appeal.  We’ll also talk about her unsuccessful state post-conviction claim and her late-filed federal habeas claim, which was dismissed by the federal court.   We are a live show and, as always, calls are welcome at (347) 989-1171.