The man accused of murdering Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrea Washington is linked to the crime through DNA, cell phone data and information from her home security system, according to his arrest warrant.
The document, obtained by First Coast News, says that Beard was at Washington’s home between 8:55 p.m. and 10:43 p.m. when the two were “involved in an altercation.”
“During the altercation, Beard shot and killed Victim Washington,” the warrant says.
Beard appeared in court hours after the murder, in response to a request for a restraining order, which Washington had previously sought.
Washington’s cousin, Gaylon Anderson, told First Coast News he found Beard’s court appearance that morning particularly galling.
“It was bold of him to show up for court knowing what had happened,” he told First Coast News.
The warrant says shortly after killing Washington, Beard went to see a friend, who is only identified as “witness Jones.” Beard told Jones that he was concerned for Washington’s safety and the two then drove to her house.
Police were called to the scene soon after.
When he was interviewed by police, Danny Beard said he went to her home after receiving a text from Washington saying she was “being followed and needed help.”
Large portions of the report are blacked out, but the narrative says Jones contradicted Beard’s claim that he did not own a gun. Jones said Beard “did in fact own a small sliver .22 caliber handgun,” and that he’d seen Beard with the gun just “the other day.”
The warrant also notes Jones recalled that Beard was not wearing a ball cap when the pair arrived at Washington’s house, but it’s not clear what significance the cap has since the rest of the report is redacted.
Beard, who was arrested Friday, was engaged to Washington and lived with her prior to her Sept. 16 death. However, he assaulted her two weeks prior, according a police report and temporary restraining order.
Beard has not yet entered a plea in the case. He is being held without bond in the Duval County Jail. His next court date is Dec. 31.
The arrest warrant can be viewed below or by clicking here.
Thousands on social media reacted to the arrest in Washington's case with fellow sailors wishing the sailor "fair winds and following seas."
"We've had a lot of unanswered questions," Anderson said. "We were just praying that justice would prevail. She was a loving, caring person who would do anything for anybody."
Washington left behind three sons.
“Especially for her children, our heart really goes out to them because now here they are getting ready to celebrate Christmas without their mother,” her cousin tells First Coast News. ‘[We are] just trying to surround them with love, and just try to fill the void even though we really can’t.”