A Florida woman, Britney Andrus, has been convicted 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.
The crime occurred in 2020, and Andrus, 29, faces a life sentence in prison after a jury found her guilty on Friday. Her boyfriend, Travis Best, 25, who pleaded guilty to the same charges, testified against her at trial.
The Murder and Plan to Escape
In the days leading up to the murder, Andrus and Best devised a plan to rob Little, who lived in Sebring, Florida. They planned to steal his car and jewelry, including items from his wife, who had passed away a month earlier. The couple intended to flee to Michigan to live with Andrus’ grandmother.
On October 22, 2020, shortly after 1:30 p.m., Andrus ran to a neighbor’s house, claiming she had found Little unconscious in his bedroom. He was rushed to the hospital but died five days later from blunt force trauma to the head, after being struck 12 times with an unknown object.
The Evidence and Investigation
Though Andrus and Best weren’t arrested for a year after the murder, detectives immediately suspected them. The scene in Little’s bedroom was clearly indicative of a violent struggle—drawers were open, jewelry boxes were missing, and there was blood evidence throughout the room.
Little’s car and wallet, containing around $1,500 in cash, were also stolen, along with a hidden safe known only to close family members.
Detectives gathered surveillance footage showing Andrus and Best driving around in Little’s car and spending his money. Friends of the couple also reported seeing Andrus with blood on her shirt, and she allegedly said, “I don’t know what I did” and later claimed, “It was like he was asking for it anyways.”
Best’s Testimony
During the trial, Best testified that the murder was Andrus’ idea. He claimed that after a heated argument, he left with a suitcase filled with stolen items from Little’s home. Later, at a friend’s house, Andrus reportedly confessed to killing Little. “She said, ‘I did it, I did it,'” Best testified, adding that he saw blood on her collar.
The Verdict and Impact
The jury convicted Andrus of second-degree murder, burglary, and grand theft. She is set to be sentenced on September 15, facing a life sentence. James Little’s son expressed relief and gratitude for the verdict, saying the family had been waiting five years for justice.
This case highlights the disturbing lengths some individuals will go to in pursuit of personal gain, including taking the life of an elderly family member. Andrus and Best’s actions not only ended the life of James Little but also traumatized his family, leaving a lasting impact on those who loved him.
