Authorities in Jefferson Parish have arrested a fourth suspect in the death of a man whose skeletal remains were discovered last month in Marrero.
Fourth Arrest in Eddie Tillman Jr. Case
Christina Beasley, 45, of Westwego, was taken into custody Tuesday by the U.S. Marshals Service at her home on Chipley Street. She has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and failure to report a felony, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Beasley is the fourth person arrested in connection with the death of 37-year-old Eddie Tillman Jr., a father of four who went missing in August 2023.
Background on the Case
Tillman was last seen leaving his mother’s home in Bridge City on the night of August 16, 2023. Family members reported him missing about a week later, fearing he may have been killed. The investigation remained largely inactive until August 2025, when the sheriff’s office received a Crimestoppers tip identifying John Lopez, 45, and Dustin Billot, 32, as the killers.
Discovery of Remains
The tip revealed that Tillman’s body had been buried in the backyard of a home on Gaudet Drive in Marrero. Investigators unearthed a severed skull and hands, which were later identified through forensic dental records as Tillman’s. Officials said the skull showed severe trauma, including a shattered lower jaw.
Lopez and Billot, both former residents of the house, were previously arrested on charges including second-degree murder, unlawful disposal of a body, and obstruction of justice. A third suspect, Kelly Barrios, 40, was arrested last week and charged with being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder and failure to report a felony.
Alleged Details of the Crime
Investigators allege that Lopez and Billot killed Tillman sometime in 2023, dismembered his body, and buried part of it at the Marrero home. Witnesses say the pair admitted to the murder during various conversations over the years. During questioning, both men denied involvement and blamed each other for Tillman’s death.
In chilling statements to witnesses, Billot reportedly claimed that Lopez tried to feed some of Tillman’s remains to alligators. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the killing or the location of the remaining remains.
Custody Status
Christina Beasley is currently being held without bail at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Investigators continue to piece together the full details of Tillman’s death.
