Tracy Brown Bering, a former inmate who shared a cell with Jodi Arias, the convicted murderer of Travis Alexander, gained attention as a character in the Lifetime movie “Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias,” which aired in January 2023. Unfortunately, the movie concluded with a message disclosing Tracy’s death in December 2022. Delving into the circumstances of Tracy Brown Bering’s demise and her connections with Jodi Arias and her wife Donovan Bering reveals intriguing details.
Tracy Brown Bering’s death was caused by suicide
Yolanda Ducharme, Tracy Brown Bering’s mother, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook that her daughter died by suicide on December 3, 2022. In her post, she requested prayers for the family, acknowledging the impact of depression on Tracy and expressing her inability to save her.
Tracy faced clinical depression, exacerbated by her wife Donovan Bering’s illness and the negative attention from Jodi Arias’ followers. Donovan, also a former cellmate of Jodi Arias, was battling cancer. Tracy’s sister, Crystal Rider, asserted that Donovan played a role in Tracy’s suicide, citing an overdose on pills after an argument.
Despite appearances of a loving relationship, Tracy and Donovan, married since 2018, celebrated their anniversary in November 2022. Tracy’s Facebook post on Thanksgiving expressed gratitude for Donovan’s support during her own health struggles, including cancer surgery. However, Tracy’s sister alleged that the family harbored no respect for Donovan due to “decades of hate, pain, and lies.”
Tracy Brown Bering was manipulated by Jodi Arias
Tracy Brown Bering crossed paths with Jodi Arias in 2009 while they were both incarcerated at Estrella Jail in Phoenix, Arizona. Tracy faced charges of drug possession and theft, while Jodi awaited trial for the murder of Travis Alexander.
Initially captivated by Jodi’s beauty and charm, Tracy described her as clean, respectful, and possessing an angelic voice. Jodi would serenade Tracy every night in their shared cell. Tracy even went to the extent of getting a tattoo featuring a bird with a musical note and Jodi’s name inside it. This decision stemmed from Jodi claiming she planned to end her own life, and Tracy wanted a lasting memento.
Over time, Tracy realized she had been manipulated by Jodi, who exploited her for money, attention, and sympathy. Jodi fabricated stories, including false claims of pregnancy, cancer, and abuse by Travis. She attempted to turn Tracy against Donovan, another inmate jailed for arson.
Tracy eventually severed ties with Jodi after Jodi received a life sentence without parole in 2015. Reflecting on the experience, Tracy expressed regret for getting involved with Jodi and wished to erase her from her life.
Tracy Brown Bering’s legacy lives on
Even in the wake of her tragic passing, Tracy Brown Bering’s memory endures through the love of her family and friends. Described by her mother as a beautiful person with a big heart and a radiant smile, Tracy’s children expressed on Facebook their commitment to preserving her name and legacy.
Tracy Brown Bering has also left a lasting account of her experiences in a memoir titled “Cellmates: My Time With Jodi Arias,” co-authored with Donovan Bering. The book delves into their encounters with Jodi Arias and sheds light on how they extricated themselves from her deceitful web. It is available on Amazon.
Tracy’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the perils associated with depression and suicide, as well as the repercussions of falling prey to manipulation by a sociopath. May she rest in peace, and may her family find solace and healing.
