Tracy Brown Bering was a former cellmate and friend of Jodi Arias, the infamous murderer who killed her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander in 2008. Tracy passed away in December 2022, reportedly by suicide, after struggling with depression for a long time. She was married to Donavan Bering, another former cellmate of Jodi Arias, who is currently battling cancer. Tracy’s death was announced by her mother, Yolanda Ducharme, on Facebook, and later confirmed by her sister, Crystal Rider. Tracy’s life and death were featured in the Lifetime movie Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias, which aired in January 2023.
Tracy’s Relationship with Jodi Arias
Tracy met Jodi Arias in 2010, when they shared a cell at Estrella Jail in Phoenix, Arizona. Tracy was arrested for drug possession and probation violation, while Jodi was awaiting trial for the murder of Travis Alexander. Tracy was impressed by Jodi’s cleanliness, respectfulness, and singing voice. She also believed Jodi’s claims of self-defense and innocence, and became one of her staunchest supporters. Tracy even got a tattoo of a bird with a musical note and Jodi’s name inside it, as a sign of their friendship and solidarity.
However, Tracy’s loyalty to Jodi soon turned into a nightmare, as she realized that Jodi was a master manipulator who used her charm and lies to get what she wanted. Tracy witnessed Jodi’s erratic behavior, such as threatening to kill herself, writing letters to Travis’s family, and making sexual advances to other inmates. Tracy also learned that Jodi had lied to her about many things, such as her education, her family, and her involvement in the murder. Tracy eventually broke off her friendship with Jodi, and testified against her in court, exposing her lies and manipulation.
Tracy’s Marriage to Donavan Bering
Tracy married Donavan Bering in 2018, after they met in jail and fell in love. Donavan was also a former cellmate of Jodi Arias, who was convicted of arson and fraud. Donavan was one of the few people who remained loyal to Jodi, and even helped her communicate with the outside world through phone calls and social media. Donavan and Tracy had a tumultuous relationship, marked by arguments, fights, and accusations. Tracy’s sister, Crystal Rider, claimed that Donavan was abusive and controlling, and that she pushed Tracy to suicide after a heated argument. Donavan, on the other hand, denied these allegations, and said that she loved Tracy and tried to help her with her depression.
Tracy and Donavan faced many challenges in their marriage, such as financial difficulties, legal troubles, and health issues. Donavan was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Tracy supported her wife through her illness, and expressed her gratitude and love for her on social media. However, Tracy also suffered from clinical depression, which was worsened by her wife’s condition and the hate she received from Jodi Arias’ followers. Tracy overdosed on pills in December 2022, and died at the age of 40.
Tracy’s Legacy and Memory
Tracy’s death was mourned by her family and friends, who remembered her as a loving, caring, and generous person. Her mother, Yolanda Ducharme, said that Tracy was her “baby girl” and her “first daughter”, and that she would always have a special place in her heart. Her sister, Crystal Rider, said that Tracy was a beautiful soul who deserved better, and that she hoped she found peace in heaven. Her friends and acquaintances also shared their condolences and prayers, and praised Tracy for her courage and strength.
Tracy’s life and death were also featured in the Lifetime movie Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias, which aired in January 2023. The movie was a sequel to Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret, which was released in 2013. The movie portrayed Tracy’s relationship with Jodi Arias, and how she became a victim of Jodi’s deception and manipulation. The movie also showed Tracy’s testimony against Jodi in court, and how she tried to move on with her life after leaving jail. The movie ended with a tribute to Tracy, saying “In loving memory of Tracy Brown Bering”.
Tracy Brown Bering was a woman who faced many hardships and challenges in her life, but also had moments of joy and love. She was a friend, a wife, a sister, and a daughter, who touched the lives of many people. She was also a survivor, who fought for her rights and justice, despite the odds. She was a human being, who had flaws and mistakes, but also had dreams and hopes. She was a life, that was cut short by depression, but also a memory, that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.