On January 31, 2024, 40-year-old John Birdwell pled guilty in a Tarrant County courtroom to the murder of his father-in-law, Dr. Robert Beardon, a well-known Fort Worth veterinarian. Birdwell was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the crime.
The incident occurred on August 11, 2022, when Birdwell and 66-year-old Beardon were at a bar, arguing over Birdwell's refusal to sign divorce papers for Bearden's daughter. During the altercation, Birdwell head-butted Bearden three times, causing him to fall and strike his head on the concrete floor. Bearden later died from his injuries.
During the sentencing hearing, Cindy Bearden, Dr. Robert Bearden's widow, addressed Birdwell, telling him, "You stole a great man." She spoke of her struggle to forgive, as her late husband was described as a joyful and well-loved individual. Bearden’s daughter, Birdwell's ex-wife, described the profound loss of her father, best friend, and dance partner, telling Birdwell, "You took a life and didn’t blink."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Callaghan and D.J. Estes, with the Fort Worth Police Department handling the investigation.
