Lifetime’s “Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias” sadly concludes with a heartfelt message: ‘In loving memory of Tracy Brown Bering.’ Tracy’s passing in early December 2022 went unnoticed by many who followed Jodi Arias’ story, making the announcement at the end of the true-crime thriller a surprising revelation for viewers.
Tracy’s connection with Jodi went beyond the bars; captivated by Jodi’s beauty and charm, she found herself entangled in the murderer’s web of deceit during their five months together at Estrella Jail in Phoenix, Arizona. Tracy, once one of Jodi’s staunchest defenders, eventually discovered the truth about her former cellmate’s masterful manipulation. Tracy’s story adds a poignant layer to the narrative, reminding us of the complex human dynamics that unfolded within those prison walls.
Tracy succumbed to an overdose of pills after a long and difficult struggle with depression
On the 3rd of December 2022, Yolanda Ducharme, Tracy Brown’s mother, shared the heartbreaking news of Tracy’s passing on Facebook, expressing her deep sorrow: “My daughter Tracy passed away today. Please pray for our family.”
In a raw and emotional post, Yolanda added, “Depression took her; I couldn’t fix her. Tracy, I miss you. I love you. Depression took you away from us. I try to get through the day. I try to understand but I’m not sure I ever will. I love you, baby girl, may your soul rest peacefully.”
Tracy’s struggle with clinical depression was intensified by the challenges her wife, Donovan Bering, also a victim of Jodi Arias, faced while battling cancer. This tragedy is a poignant reminder of the profound impact mental health issues and external hardships can have on individuals and their loved ones.
Crystal Rider, Tracy’s sister, shared with Understanding Crime that she believes Donovan played a role in Tracy’s tragic decision to end her own life. According to Rider, Tracy overdosed on pills following a heated argument with Donovan. Rider revealed:
“Donovan was aware that my sister was on the brink of suicide; she admitted it to both our family and the detectives. Donovan even went so far as to threaten my mother, warning that she would make Mom’s life a living hell simply because Mom was reaching out to the coroner and detectives.”
Rider expressed that the family harbors no respect for Donovan, citing ‘decades of hate, pain, and lies.’ Despite appearances of a loving relationship between Donovan and Tracy, Rider painted a grim picture of their dynamic. In a Facebook post from late November 2022, Tracy had seemingly expressed gratitude:
“Happy Thanksgiving to all of my loved ones, and especially to my amazing wife who has more than stepped up to the plate while I’ve been down, even though she just had cancer surgery. She is the best wife ever, Donovan Bering. I love you oh so much, and I really do appreciate everything you do!!!” The apparent contrast between Tracy’s public expression and the family’s claims adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, revealing the intricate and often hidden aspects of personal relationships.
Tracy Brown had Jodi’s name tattooed on her, believing that Jodi was contemplating suicide
Tracy saw Jodi as the ideal cellmate – someone who was tidy, respectful and possessed the voice of an angel. Tracy fondly recalled Jodi singing to her every night during their time incarcerated together, as shared on *Jodi Arias: Cellmate Secrets*.
This connection led Tracy to get a meaningful tattoo – a bird with a musical note, with Jodi herself as the tattooist, inscribing her name inside the bird. Tracy’s decision to have Jodi’s name permanently inked on her leg was driven by a concern for Jodi’s well-being. Believing Jodi was on the brink of suicide, Tracy wanted a lasting reminder of the friend she had grown close to in such a short time.
However, Tracy later came to the painful realization that Jodi might have misled her about the intention to take her own life. Donovan Bering, who shared a cell with Jodi for six months in Maricopa County Jail, and later met Tracy at Estrella, entered the picture. After leaving prison, Donovan took charge of Jodi’s social media, staunchly defending her while criticizing the prosecutor and the media.
But Donovan’s perception of Jodi shifted when she began conversing with Jodi’s mother. According to Donovan, Jodi seemed to care only about herself and was willing to use others to fulfill her desires. The couple’s initial image of Jodi, painted with compassion and innocence, crumbled in the face of a more complex reality.