The brother of a transgender woman accused of murdering an elderly millionaire and occupying his luxurious oceanfront home for several weeks has expressed profound shock upon learning of his sibling's alleged crimes. Elanor Beaulieu, 39, was arrested following a tense seven-hour siege at a $6.3 million property in Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles, last Saturday.
Arrest and Charges Following Dramatic Standoff
Beaulieu eventually emerged from the residence dressed in an outfit reminiscent of the Blues Brothers, leading to her immediate detention at the county jail. She was booked under her legal name, Robert Phillip Simmons, and formally charged with murder. Inside the home, authorities discovered the decomposing body of 92-year-old retired property developer Demetrius Doukoullos, with the medical examiner noting clear signs of trauma.
Family Reaction from Across the Country
Across the nation in Kingston, Massachusetts, John Simmons, 37, identified Beaulieu as his long-lost older brother Robert. He was completely unaware of her alleged involvement in a homicide or her transition to identifying as a woman using the name Eleanor Beaulieu.
"I haven't heard from Robert in years... I'm not even sure how many," Simmons stated after being contacted by reporters about the arrest. "I have no idea what he's been doing, I really can't help you with that, I'm sorry. I don't know why he would do something like that."
The stunned brother declined to comment on whether Beaulieu had any history of mental health issues or to provide details about her life prior to their loss of contact.
Background and Financial Struggles
Beaulieu grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts, and frequently vacationed in Tampa, Florida, where her family owned a holiday unit. Following the death of her father, Robert Simmons Sr., in 2012, her mother Terese Simmons sold the family home and now resides in Marshfield near her son and grandchildren.
Beaulieu later relocated to Fresno, California, purchasing a modest one-bedroom apartment for $83,000 in April 2021. However, by early 2023, she had defaulted on the mortgage, leading to foreclosure proceedings. A developer group acquired the property after a legal dispute, with Beaulieu finally surrendering it in August 2023.
Recent Legal Encounters and the Victim
Her activities thereafter remain unclear until February 2025, when she was arrested for second-degree robbery in Los Angeles, though the charge was subsequently dropped. She was also cited for shoplifting in Redondo Beach in February of this year.
Meanwhile, neighbors along The Strand in Hermosa Beach regularly observed Demetrius Doukoullos relaxing on his front porch, enjoying views of Manhattan Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Concerns arose when he ceased appearing for weeks and blinds remained closed, with reports of a mysterious individual in a suit and fedora seen entering and leaving the property.
The exact relationship between Doukoullos and Beaulieu, if any existed, is currently unknown. Authorities allege she killed him between March 7 and March 14.
Prominent Developer's Legacy
Doukoullos was a highly successful developer of luxury oceanfront properties in Hermosa Beach for decades, with many of his creations becoming homes for his neighbors. His most notable achievement was a five-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion that sold for a record $19.5 million in 2023.
He had lived alone since his wife Fredda passed away in 2012 and had recently sold his own home for $7.5 million, retiring to a rented two-bedroom unit in a $6.3 million building owned by Neil Chhabria, son of his former real estate agent.
Discovery and Siege Details
Last week, an upstairs neighbor detected a foul odor emanating from Doukoullos' unit and reported a suspicious person inside. This prompted a welfare check by Hermosa Beach Police at 12:37 p.m. on Saturday.
Upon entering with the landlord's assistance, officers encountered a woman who fled into a bedroom, barricaded herself, and claimed to be armed. Negotiations ensued for hours, leading to the deployment of the Hermosa Beach/Hawthorne SWAT team.
The usually tranquil street was evacuated as heavily armed officers surrounded the property. After prolonged attempts at communication, an officer used a bullhorn to issue a final warning: "Eleanor, come out with your hands up. This has been going on long enough."
Surrender and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Beaulieu surrendered at approximately 7:45 p.m., exiting the home with her arms raised before being handcuffed and taken into custody. Photographs captured her wearing an ill-fitting black suit, white shirt, black tie, fedora, and Wayfarer sunglasses, closely mirroring the iconic Blues Brothers attire.
She appeared in court again on April 2 and was remanded into custody at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail, with bail set at $2 million. The case continues to unfold as investigators piece together the events leading to Doukoullos' death and Beaulieu's alleged actions.
