A Florida woman, Britney Andrus, 29, has been convicted of second-degree murder, burglary, and grand theft of a motor vehicle. The charges stem from the 2020 murder of her husband’s 88-year-old great-grandfather, James Little, in his Sebring home. The jury found that Andrus, along with her boyfriend, Travis Best, 25, planned and executed the crime with the intention of fleeing to Michigan.
Andrus and Best were residing in the mother-in-law suite of Little’s home at the time of the crime. Andrus’ husband was incarcerated during this period. In the days preceding the murder, the couple devised a plan to rob Little, targeting his car and his late wife’s jewelry, according to the police report.
On the afternoon of October 22, 2020, Andrus alerted a neighbor, claiming to have discovered Little unconscious in his bedroom. He was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries five days later. Although it took a year for the authorities to apprehend Andrus and Best, they were prime suspects from the onset.
The crime scene painted a grim picture. Little’s bedroom was in a state of chaos, with open drawers and missing jewelry boxes. His car, wallet containing approximately $1,500, and a hidden safe known only to close family members were also missing. The police report indicated that Little was likely awakened by the intruders, assaulted multiple times, and left injured for a significant period before emergency services were notified.
The autopsy report confirmed that Little died from blunt force trauma to the head. The assailants had struck him 12 times with an unidentified object and left him to die while they absconded with his belongings. Best reportedly used some of the stolen money to purchase methamphetamine.
Surveillance footage showed the couple driving around town in Little’s car and spending his money. Witnesses also reported that Andrus had blood on her shirt, which she claimed was not hers. According to court reports, Best testified against Andrus, stating that the murder was her idea and that he had initially refused to participate.
Andrus is scheduled for sentencing on September 15. Little’s son expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that it was a long-awaited outcome for the family.