The Maestas Murders

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18th July 2019  •  5 min read

On the 21st of January, 2003, Beau Maestas, 19, and his sister, Monique Maestas, 16, sought revenge after being sold salt as methamphetamine. The dodgy dealers weren't in so they turned their attention to their children, Kristyanna, 10, and Brittney, 3.


The Maestas Murders

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It was the 21st of January, 2003, when 19-year-old Beau Maestas and his sister, 16-year-old Monique Maestas, went to the home of Tamara Bergeron and her boyfriend, Robert Schmidt. The couple lived at the Casablanca RV park in Mesquite, Nevada, with Tamara’s two young daughters, 3-year-old Kristyanna and 10-year-old Brittney. The Maestas were allegedly there to purchase what they believed was $125 worth of methamphetamine from Tamara and Robert. However, when they returned home with their purchase, they found that the little bag of white substance contained salt, not methamphetamine.

They were ripped off and they were infuriated.

The bitter siblings made their way back to the family’s home with large butcher knives in hand. Beau knocked on the door but soon realised that only Kristyanna and Brittney were home; Tamara and Robert were gambling at a nearby casino, leaving the children home alone. Brittney refused to open the front door to Beau, stating she didn’t open the door to strangers. Monique then knocked on the door and told Brittney that she needed to open the door because her mother was hurt. “Your mom has been hurt really bad. You need to come with me!” exclaimed Monique. The ruse worked and Brittney opened the door to Beau and Monique.

As soon as the door was opened, the little girls were brutally attacked by the siblings. Kristyanna’s throat was slit and she was stabbed with such brutality that the knife was shoved halfway through her head. Her foot was severed from the tendon and she suffered another stab wound to her lower leg. Unfortunately, Kristyanna died from her wounds at the scene. Beau grabbed Brittney from behind and told her: “We can do this easy or we can do this hard!” He then plunged the knife into her small body a total of twenty times. Two stab wounds to her back severed her spinal cord. When police arrived at the scene, Brittney was pleading: “I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die!”

Miraculously, Brittney survived her injuries but was left paralyzed from the waist down.1

After fleeing the crime scene, the siblings discarded their blood-stained clothing and knives in a small Utah town. They were soon apprehended after Beau’s girlfriend was able to place them at the scene that evening. In a jailhouse letter, Beau confessed to “slaughtering those little piggies. I flipped out and went and killed that lady’s youngest daughter and I paralysed the older one. Three used to be my lucky number. Now, when I think of three, I see a little body hanging eye-level from a knife that’s half her size that’s in my bloody hand. That was some of the most brutal shit I’ve ever seen.” Monique also confessed “I should have sliced the girl’s neck. I just kept stabbing her. I just kept trying to stab major organs.”2

In the wake of the murders, Tamara and Robert denied any involvement in the bogus drug deal. They were charged with child abuse and neglect for leaving the children home alone for several hours at the time of the stabbing. Tamara was sentenced to a minimum of four years in prison.

Beau pleaded guilty to first degree murder in a plea deal that did not spare him from a possible death sentence. His defence lawyer, Pete Christiansen, said that his client had pleaded guilty quite simply because he wanted to confess to what he had done and take responsibility for his crime. During his sentencing phase, his defence lawyers urged the jurors to show him mercy. They said that Beau and his siblings had been subjected to an abusive upbringing at the hands of his father, Harry Maestas, who was a twice-convicted killer.

While Harry spent most of their childhood in and out of prison, he would sent ex-convicts to the home to check up on the family. During one of these visits, the ex-convict molested Misty Maestas, Beau and Monique’s 12-year-old sister. Later on, when Misty went to visit her father in prison, he too molested her in the visiting room. Monique too was sexually assaulted as a child; between her ninth and 13th birthday, she was molested by her mother’s 6 foot 3 inch, 300 pound boyfriend.

They argued that Beau’s mother, Marilyn Maestas, constantly belittled her son and exposed him to drug and alcohol abuse. As a young boy, his parents used to blow marijuana smoke in his face in an attempt to calm his hyperactivity. While in the second grade, his teacher wrote to his parents: “Beau is very smart. He needs lots of help getting his energy in the right direction. He’s still an angry boy. Please get the help you talked about.” By 12, Beau was using marijuana, alcohol and methamphetamine. When Marilyn didn’t want her children hanging around with a gay man who lived on their neighborhood, she skinned his cat and nailed its head to the door. The man subsequently committed suicide. “The children loved him,” said Marilyn’s sister.

By 2000, Beau had attempted suicide. “I felt like killing myself,” he told a mental health professional. “My life is a burden. My life is messed up.” When his father was released from prison, he attempted to reconnect, but Harry rejected his overtures. “What we are going to present to you is who Beau Maestas is… We are going to take you through his life and hopefully make you understand what got him to the point where he would make such a tragic, tragic decision,” said his defence lawyer, Tom Ericsson.

Roger and Clark County prosecutor, David Schwartz, on the other hand, pushed hard for the death penalty. He told the jurors that the death penalty was the only adequate punishment for such a cruel crime perpetrated against two defenceless children. “When you have a young child, 3 years old, who was never given a chance to enjoy all that life has to offer, that is very sad. Going in there with a butcher knife and doing this to those girls over $125 was horrific. Those little girls were no match for him,” he said.

During the sentencing phase, Beau addressed the court in his first public statement since the attacks. “I’m sorry for the heartache. Because of my actions, Brittney will forever be confined to a wheelchair, and she has lost her sister. I’m sorry. I can’t believe this happened,” he said. Addressing his own family, Beau said he was “sorry for the heartbreak, and I’m sorry for the shame I’ve brought.”3 Neither his mother or father were in court; when asked to testify on behalf of his son, Harry declined and made it clear “he would have nothing to do with these people,” referring to his children.

Eventually the jury sided with the prosecution and sentenced Beau to death for the murders. He was expressionless as he was escorted out of the courtroom by corrections officers.

Shortly after the verdict was announced, Monique Maestas agreed to plead guilty to the murder of Kristyanna and the attempted murder of Brittney as part of a plea deal.  In 2005, a U.S. Supreme Court ruled that people who were younger than 18 when they committed their crimes cannot be sentenced to death for those crimes. Since Monique was 17 at the time of the murders, she was sentenced to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 40 years. According to Schwartz: “From my perspective, she deserves to be on death row with her brother, but the United States Supreme Court saved her.” During her sentencing, she too apologised for her actions. Addressing Brittney – who was not present – she said: “My heart goes out to you. I’m sorry for everything. The only positive aspect of this entire situation is the courage and perseverance you’ve demonstrated.”

In the wake of the attack, Brittney was fostered by Judy and Bill Himel. In 2008, Tamara granted Brittney her long-life wish when she relinquished her parental rights and signed an open adoption agreement with the foster parents who had taken care of her following the attack.

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Footnotes:

  1. Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3 June, 2005 – “Detective Describes Stabbings”
  2. Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2 June, 2005 – “Prosecutor Reads Killer’s Letters”
  3. Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7 June, 2005 – “Killer Apologises for 2003 Stabbings”

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Yael Morgen
Yael Morgen
4 years ago

Omg this is the worst case I have read about on here… Meth heads are fucked up but I lay some blame with their shitty mom. Leaving 2 kids home alone when you know you just ripped someone off? Jfc.

Dee Stokes
Dee Stokes
4 years ago
Reply to  Yael Morgen

You are so right I blame their Mother and her sorry ass Man of hers that allowed her to leave those kids in the house by themselves!!! They weren’t even old enough to be there without a babysitter that Mother deserved a lot more time. It was her actions that led to the death and paralyzation of another one of her kids she should have been charged with murder as well!!!

Michelle jolly
Michelle jolly
3 years ago
Reply to  Yael Morgen

You are so right about the mom back in the late 80s Tammy and I were room mates she had a mother child then he was about 4 when she sent him to Florida to stay with her dad so she could focus on getting high that is all she cared about she even robbed her own grandmother and called the cops and said her husband het het so when he went to jail she could rob him and she did she wrote checks everywhere took limo rides from riverside to San Diego and back on his credit cards.she is… Read more »

sue
sue
3 years ago
Reply to  Yael Morgen

and the father gets no blame? it’s like society expects men to be absent fathers. this is as much on him as her.

Fuzzy Butkus
Fuzzy Butkus
2 years ago
Reply to  sue

Not giving excuse by any means all involved but those two babies aren’t human more pieces of excrement. I agree father should be held responsible as well but until men and woman are on equal footing in child support,visitation and Custody in the court room a lot of people don’t think they will be.How many woman do you hear of arrested and thrown in jail for back child support??Time and Time again men fight for years bankrupting themselves to get equal custody,equal visitation Etc.It is getting better but I still have workmates who are good men,pay child support but the… Read more »

kani
kani
1 year ago
Reply to  Fuzzy Butkus

Are you for real? Women most of the times get full custody after a split because they have been the primary caregiver of the kids and doing the brunt of child rearing plus sacrificing their career. And it’s not as if men actually fight for more custody. If men stepped up more while they were still with the mothers, maybe they’d have a chance for split or even sole custody. And of course someone who does not pay full child support should be punished. And yes, it is mostly men who just disappear away from their families and don’t pay… Read more »

Keith Griffin
Keith Griffin
4 years ago

Evil evil people. And some blame should be on the mom who left the kids home alone. They knew where she lived so she sold drugs from her own damn home then left those kids alone???

sue
sue
3 years ago
Reply to  Keith Griffin

interesting how people never blame the absent fathers in these cases. it takes 2 to neglect children, darling.

Les Mac
Les Mac
2 years ago
Reply to  sue

The father lived in another state, darling.

Last edited 2 years ago by Les Mac
Les Mac
Les Mac
2 years ago
Reply to  Les Mac

The girls had separate fathers who Tamara was divorced from and both were living out of state. Her boyfriend Robert Schmidt, who she later married, shoulders some of the blame for leaving the girls alone. It wasn’t a one-time thing either. Neighbors at the Casablanca said that the girls were always left alone. Tamara and Robert did time for child neglect but not nearly enough in my opinion.

Abdul Mustafa
Abdul Mustafa
2 years ago
Reply to  Les Mac

Sounds like a BS excuse for both of their fathers, out of state? Wjy does that even. Matter ; I mean , do you not have to be responsible for children you help to create when you move into another state?!?!

Amber
Amber
2 years ago
Reply to  Les Mac

I lived in Mesquite, Nv. when this happened. My boys went to school with Brittney and lived about a mile from the Casablanca Casino.
It has affected me to this day. One of the worst cases of brutality I’ve ever heard of. It really makes you take a long hard look at our lives and the world around us.

BJL
BJL
5 months ago
Reply to  Amber

Amber- I too grew up in Mesquite and was around the same age as Monique (a year or 2 younger). I sorta remember when this happened as I loved just next to the Oasis. Super sad for those 2 sweet girls and all that were affected by this horrendous act.

Abdul Mustafa
Abdul Mustafa
2 years ago
Reply to  Les Mac

And what does that mean hs doesn’t have to be a parent anymore bc he moved to another state? Seems like u are an enabling idiot excusing trashy adults like you !

Leanne
Leanne
4 years ago

I use to know their dad (and step brothers) they were/are all disgusting humans. They defended Beau and Monique even after the trial. Drug use and abusing the system are inbred in this family. They have no concept of morality or kindness. They are still passing this on to the next generation.

Dave
Dave
4 years ago
Reply to  Leanne

I welcomed Beau into my home when he lived in Lompoc. I believe he was in sixth grade. His dad was incarcerated here in Lompoc. Beau was a classmate with my daughter. This is really shocking.

Cheri
Cheri
1 year ago
Reply to  Dave

I went to school with Beau, and probably your daughter as well at LVMS. I recall so many things now that shed light on where he came from, and what was happening to him at the time.

Keith
Keith
4 days ago
Reply to  Leanne

Buea and Monique for years watched there father Harry exalt his criminal persona, he was a Lifer in the special services dormitory, he was a killer and he used that murder to portray vulgar mystic of the bad ass convict. Harry and ther mother Maryln met in the prison visiting room , they fell in love. She was there to visit a family member and she was attracted to Harry, the Lifer low expectations and poor results

Lica1
Lica1
3 years ago

Even on drugs is No excuse either!

Esteban cuellar
Esteban cuellar
3 years ago

I know there was a show on TV about this does anybody know what TV program it was?

Hal
Hal
3 years ago

Sin City Law

Tara A
Tara A
3 years ago

Killer kids

Karen Davis
Karen Davis
3 years ago

I’m watching it right now which is why I found this thread, I wanted to read more about it. The show is called Killer Kid’s , season 2 episode 1. I cried so hard , and I watch a lot of these shows, but I dont usually cry like I did witching this one. I think all the adults are to blame here, they failed these kids in both families and they should of been held more accountable. Brittany is an amazing young women am I wish her the best.

Freddie Cuellar
Freddie Cuellar
3 years ago

Killer Kids. This is just a horrible situation. Poor babies. Esteban.. not too many Cuellar’s where I live. My last name Cuellar too.

Nicole
Nicole
3 years ago

Killer kids

Keith
Keith
4 days ago

Kids who kill

Madi
Madi
2 years ago

So uh fun fact you can write him on write a prisoner, his bio is…interesting

Abdul Mustafa
Abdul Mustafa
2 years ago
Reply to  Madi

Nope why would anyone want to?

Annie
Annie
2 years ago

This is why when someone does drugs, they should be immediately given a hysterectomy or castrated, so they can’t bring innocent children in to the mix.

Abdul Mustafa
Abdul Mustafa
2 years ago
Reply to  Annie

Wth? Get off the drugs hou loser! Or at least give that child to someone who actually cares & will love her ,bc you clearly, do not!

Abdul Mustafa
Abdul Mustafa
2 years ago
Reply to  Annie

Agree …100%

Ted
Ted
2 years ago
Reply to  Abdul Mustafa

I think you are brainwashed and ignorant about drug use. Alcohol kills more and destroys more lives than any illegal drug. Plenty of people are able to contribute to society and lead normal lives and raise beautiful children while using illegal substances.

Vikki
Vikki
2 years ago
Reply to  Annie

Wow! Ever hear of constitutional rights? And what a ridiculous thing to say that anyone who uses/used drugs should be castrated or have a forced hysterectomy. Maybe you wanna say the same about alcohol too? I’m a recovering crack addict. Will be celebrating my 29th year free of my awful addiction. I made the decision not to have children way after I was clean. But by your standards I never should have been given the opportunity of motherhood at all. Too many people throwing stones from their pretty glass houses. Addiction is classified a disease. Who else you wanna go… Read more »

Kriston Feleccia
Kriston Feleccia
2 years ago

Viscous, eh? Might want to watch it, glass houses, ya know?

Terry
Terry
2 years ago

What is the date of Beau execution

Dustin Fayed
Dustin Fayed
2 years ago

The hell? Monique got off just because she was two years younger than Beau! He was obviously a product of his upbringing!

Sofi Uknavage
Sofi Uknavage
1 year ago

Glad your opinion only matters to u

Lisa scott
Lisa scott
1 year ago

It appears you are the white trash my dear. Rude ignorant woman

Carol Gano
Carol Gano
1 year ago

That Mother and the Maesta mother should be sterilized

Charlotta
Charlotta
1 year ago

There aren’t hillbillies in Las Vegas

Craig James
Craig James
9 months ago
Reply to  Charlotta

I guess you’ve never been to the old part of Henderson.

Jessica
Jessica
10 months ago

I personally know Beau. I went to high school with him. He was on the water pole team and had lots of friends. To say I was shocked when I found out this happen is miniscule to how deep I felt it. It breaks my heart all the way around. For Britteny, for Kristyanna and for Beau (I didn’t know Monique). Personally the Beau I knew in High school (we graduated 2002.. (less than a year after graduating this happen) wouldn’t be capable of such a thing. I guess you really never know someone 🙁

Dre
Dre
10 months ago

This line needed to be ended, sooner rather than later.

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