Sinclair's Criminally Obsessed Expands True Crime Slate with New Original Documentary Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life
06.01.2026
Film explores the murder of Texas media executive Steven Beard and the conviction of his troubled wife, Celeste, through exclusive interviews and firsthand accounts
Hunt Valley, MD — June 1, 2026 — Sinclair today announced the premiere of a new original documentary from its Criminally Obsessed crime franchise, Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life, a gripping examination of one of Texas’s most sensational murder cases involving wealth, power, betrayal, and a conviction that continues to spark debate decades later.
Set against the backdrop of Austin’s elite social scene in the late 90’s and early 00’s, Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life revisits the murder of wealthy media executive Steven Beard and the subsequent conviction of his wife Celeste Beard.
The documentary will premiere Friday, June 5 on the Criminally Obsessed YouTube channel.
Featuring unprecedented access to Celeste from inside prison in Gatesville, Texas where she is serving where she is serving a life sentence with eligibility for parole in 2042, Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life includes extensive new interviews offering her most personal and detailed account to date.
The film also features extensive interviews with Celeste’s daughter, Jennifer Beard, as well as Tracy Tarlton, the woman convicted in the shooting. Combined with archival footage, courtroom records, and perspectives from those closest to the case, including CBS Austin Anchor Walt Maciborski, who extensively covered the case, the documentary explores the competing narratives surrounding one of the most talked-about crimes in Texas history.
“Stories like this captivate audiences because they sit at the intersection of crime, psychology, wealth, and human complexity,” said Nick James, VP of Social Media. “Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life goes beyond the headlines to examine the layers of manipulation, obsession, and unanswered questions that continue to surround this case. Through extraordinary access and deeply personal interviews, audiences will hear directly from those at the center of the story in a way they never have before.”
An advance screening link for press is available upon request.
In addition, a companion podcast, “Love Lies, and a Shotgun Shell,” hosted by Walt Maciborski, goes deeper into the case from the very station Steven Beard built. Episodes 1 and 2 of the six-part series will launch on Friday, June 5, with new episodes dropping every Friday.
To celebrate the launch, Criminally Obsessed will host a private screening event on Wednesday, June 3, at The Headliners Club in Austin. The evening will feature a filmmaker Q&A, and press screening of the documentary ahead of its public debut.
Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life marks the latest installment in Sinclair’s growing Criminally Obsessed franchise, which continues to expand its slate of original true crime documentaries and companion podcasts across digital, streaming, and broadcast platforms.
About Sinclair:
Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 177 television stations in 79 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel, the premium destination for tennis enthusiasts; and multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest. Sinclair’s content portfolio includes AMP Media, which produces a growing slate of original programming across multiple platforms. For more information, please visit www.sbgi.net.
Media Contact: Jessica Bellucci, [email protected]