Celeste Beard Johnson Denied Parole Again in High-Profile Murder Case
AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities confirmed Wednesday that Celeste Beard Johnson, the 57-year-old woman convicted of orchestrating the 1999 murder of her millionaire husband, has been denied parole for a third time. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles ruled against her early release, citing the severity of the crime and ongoing concerns over public safety. Johnson is serving a life sentence for plotting the killing of her husband, Austin television executive Steven Beard, who was fatally shot by a female lover enlisted by Johnson. The decision, announced on June 12, 2024, follows a review of her case and victim impact statements. Johnson will next be eligible for parole consideration in 2029.