Small Loan Results In Deadly Debt

According to authorities investigating the case, roommates Sherry Stewart and Samantha Curlee were hurting for cash. The end of the month was just around the corner, and bills, rent, and utilities would be coming due.

The roommates thought they had stumbled upon good fortune when their friend, Duane Beard, gladly agreed to lend them some of the necessary funds.

Police say the roommates left Kansas City for the weekend. Samantha had family that lived in Clinton, a small, rural town 77 miles outside of Kansas City, and they often visited to get away from the bustling city.

Meanwhile, vexed by Sherry and Samantha's unexpected absence from town, Beard's temper churned. Prosecutors say that Beard had money on his mind and did not take at all kindly to the girls' unforeseen getaway, especially without receiving repayment or prior notification.

Upon their return home, police say Sherry and Samantha didn't have to wait long before receiving an unexpected visit from Beard. Beard's animosity accumulated with the arousal of his foul temper. He wanted his money. According to police, Beard felt he was being dealt a short hand.

When he arrived at Sherry and Samantha's apartment, Beard was let right in. The girls were not aware of his horrifying potential. Tempers flared, according to authorities, and angry words were exchanged between Sherry and Beard. Samantha, an innocent bystander, was on the coach, unaware of the developing situation.

Police say Sherry tried to run from the argument by heading towards the bathroom. Beard, by now, they say, had become dangerous and irrational.

Prosecutors say Beard, furious at this point, shot Sherry. He immediately turned towards Samantha and shot her as she lay on the coach.

According to police, Sherry was dead on arrival, and Samantha was suffering from a serious wound to the abdomen. She was taken to a nearby hospital, and survived the devastating assault.

Small Guy, Huge Temper, Dangerous Potential

Duane Beard, a very small man weighing in at just 127 lbs. and standing  a mere 5'7" tall, faces four colossal charges: first-degree murder, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action and 1st Degree Assault.

Police say Beard was due in court, but posted a $300,000 bond and bailed out of jail. Authorities believe he could be somewhere in Georgia.

Despite Beard's small stature, prosecutors say he is known as "T-Bone" on the streets, and earned his reputation as a grizzled thug.

Prosecutors say he constantly has his hands in shady activities. Beard has been shot several times and survived.

Despite his minuscule frame, police say Beard should be seen as a serious threat and a dangerous predator.

Aside from his size, Beard does not have many identifying features. Police say he has an unknown tattoo on his left forearm.

The tattoo appears to be of several numbers, although it is difficult to be certain.

Anonymous Tip Leads To Beard's Arrest

On December 9, 2008 the Big Sandy Police Department, in Texas, received a tip that led police to Beards exact location. The Big Sandy Police Department, as well as the Upshur County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Marshals, immediately took action.

Cops say the tip led them to believe Beard was staying in one of several houses. The first house authorities searched was clear and Beard was no where to be found.

Shortly after, authorities moved on a second house. Cops say a woman answered the door and when she was informed that a fugitive may be residing at her residence, she informed police that Beard, her cousin, was indeed in the house. Cops say the woman was not aware of the charges against Beard.

A search of the house led Police to an attic. With the rest of the house clear, Cops say they knew Beard was in the attic.

In fact, cops say Beard had holed himself up in the attic and was sitting atop the trap door.

Police say the were extremely cautious about breaking through the barricade because they believed Beard was armed and dangerous. Not taking any risks, the police awaited a SWAT team; however, once Beard was made aware of the SWAT teams impending arrival, he gave himself up without further conflict.