In 2014, Beverly Carter's life came to a tragic end during what was supposed to be a routine showing of a property she was selling. This heart-wrenching incident shed light on the dangers faced by realtors and left many wondering how the authorities were able to solve the case. Let's delve into the details and understand what transpired.
Unraveling the Mystery: The Death of Beverly Carter
Beverly Carter was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a passion for travel and cherished spending time with her family. As a highly respected real estate agent at Crye-Leike Real Estate, Beverly was known as one of their top performers. Little did she know that her final showing for the day would be her last.
On September 25, 2014, Beverly met a married couple at a property in Scott, Arkansas. She informed her husband, Carl Sr., that she would be heading there around 5:30 pm. Worried when she didn't return home for dinner, Carl Sr. went to the property and discovered her car with her purse inside. The door to the house was open, but Beverly was nowhere to be found. Concerned, he immediately contacted the authorities.
As volunteers searched the surrounding areas, the police began their investigation. Days later, they received crucial information that led them to a concrete business in Cabot, Arkansas. Tragically, they discovered Beverly's body in a shallow grave. She had been suffocated, with her mouth and nose covered in layers of green duct tape, and her hands bound.
The Perpetrators: Unmasking Beverly Carter's Killers
Authorities turned to Beverly's phone records to identify the individuals who had visited the property that day. The investigation led them to Arron Lewis, a resident of Jacksonville, Arkansas. Further evidence, including calls and texts, linked him to the crime. When they apprehended Arron, they found Beverly's phone in his possession. It was then discovered that Arron had an extensive criminal history, including a previous conviction for theft of property.
Arron's wife, Crystal Lowery, was also arrested on suspicion of involvement in the abduction and murder. During questioning, Arron admitted to kidnapping Beverly but initially kept her whereabouts a secret. A chilling 12-second recording, believed to be Beverly's voice, was found on his phone. This recording was meant for her husband, Carl Sr., who tragically only heard it after her death. As evidence mounted against Arron, the case took a significant turn when Crystal decided to cooperate and testify against him.
According to Crystal, the kidnapping was Arron's idea, born out of their desperation for money. They had been planning the crime for two weeks and chose Beverly because she would be alone during the showing, and they believed she was wealthy. Initially, they intended to hold her captive at an office in the concrete plant where Arron had previously worked. However, upon arriving at the location with Beverly in their car trunk, they realized the plant had undergone changes that foiled their plan.
With no alternative, Arron and Crystal took Beverly to their Jacksonville home, where they imprisoned her in the bathroom. Crystal stood guard with a stun gun while Arron returned to Beverly's car to steal her purse. However, his efforts were thwarted by the authorities already present at the scene. With their plan unraveling, they decided to kill Beverly, fearing she had recognized Arron's face and possibly seen Crystal's name on a prescription bottle in the bathroom.
Crystal vehemently denied involvement in the murder, alleging that Arron confessed to choking Beverly. Later, the pair went to a local Walmart to purchase a shovel and topsoil before driving to the property in Cabot. Crystal held the flashlight while Arron buried Beverly's lifeless body in a shallow grave. The authorities believed that Arron used multiple layers of duct tape to cover her face.
Where is Arron Lewis Now?
In January 2016, Arron Lewis stood trial. His defense claimed that Beverly willingly went with him and Crystal for a sexual encounter that tragically resulted in her accidental death. Arron also stated that he confessed to the kidnapping to protect Crystal because he was having an affair with Beverly. However, the jury found him guilty of both kidnapping and capital murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Crystal, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping, receiving a 30-year prison sentence. As per prison records, Arron remains incarcerated at the Interstate Compacts in Arkansas.
The murder of Beverly Carter was a devastating event that shook the real estate community and the nation as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and security in the real estate industry.
Image Credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Carter Family
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