Sebring, Florida – A 29-year-old woman, Britney Andrus, has been found guilty of second-degree murder, burglary, and grand theft of a motor vehicle in the brutal beating death of her husband’s 88-year-old great-grandfather, James Little, in 2020.
Andrus and her boyfriend, Travis Best, plotted to steal from Little’s home and escape to Michigan to live with Andrus’ grandmother.
The jury’s verdict on Friday marked the conclusion of a long investigation that began with Little’s death in October 2020. Andrus and Best were living in the mother-in-law suite attached to Little’s home at the time.
The elderly man’s death was not immediately considered a homicide, but investigators quickly linked Andrus and Best to the crime after discovering the bloodied crime scene, missing valuables, and the stolen vehicle.
Details of the Murder and Robbery
On October 22, 2020, Andrus went to a neighbor’s house and claimed she had found James Little unconscious in his bedroom. He was rushed to the hospital but passed away five days later.
Police later discovered that Little’s bedroom had been ransacked, with open drawers and missing jewelry boxes. Little’s car, wallet, and some $1,500 in cash had also been stolen. A hidden safe containing valuables was also taken, which suggested that only someone very close to the family would have known about it.
According to police reports, it was clear from the crime scene that Little had been awakened by the intruders, struck 12 times in the head with an unknown object, and left to die. Blood evidence found throughout the room matched the scene of a violent attack, and an autopsy confirmed that blunt force trauma to the head caused Little’s death.
The Role of Travis Best and Britney Andrus’ Confession
Travis Best, Andrus’ boyfriend, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and testified against Andrus at trial. He revealed that the plan to rob Little and kill him was Andrus’ idea. Best testified that after the murder, Andrus admitted, “I did it, I did it,” and that she had blood on her shirt. He also testified that Andrus had said, “It was like he was asking for it anyways.”
Following the murder, Andrus and Best used Little’s stolen money to buy methamphetamine. Surveillance footage showed them driving around in Little’s car and spending his money, which led investigators to the couple’s whereabouts.
Sentencing and Family Reactions
Andrus is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15. She faces life in prison for her actions, including the murder and theft. Little’s family has expressed relief at the verdict, with his son saying, “I am extremely gratified by the verdict. It was something the family was waiting for for five years.“
This case has highlighted the shocking betrayal and brutality of Andrus, who killed an elderly man in cold blood to escape her life with Best.
