Police: Woman told boyfriend to ‘finish off’ man they stabbed 10 hours earlier so she didn’t see him suffer while they robbed him.
A 20-year-old woman in Texas and her boyfriend of the same age have been charged with robbing and brutally killing a man who had allowed the couple to live in his condominium, drugging his drink and stabbing him multiple times.
Haley Barber and Leo Moore were arrested on Thursday and charged with one count of capital murder by terror, threat, or other felony, as well as one count of evading arrest or detention in the death of 53-year-old Johnny Mac Ross Jr., authorities said.
Moore was also charged with one count of property theft worth more than $2,500.
According to a news release from the Garland Police Department, officers responded to a report of a deceased individual at a residence in the 4500 block of Chaha Road, approximately 17 miles east of Dallas, around 1 a.m. on November 11, 2024.
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When first responders arrived, they said they found an adult male — later identified as Ross — who appeared to have multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene. Officers at the scene also stated that they “observed evidence indicating foul play within the residence.”
A preliminary investigation revealed that Ross had multiple stab wounds from a knife.
“Investigators also discovered that one of the victim’s vehicles, a 2001 Mercedes, had been stolen from the residence,” according to the statement. “On November 11, around 1:00 p.m., Garland officers discovered the stolen vehicle traveling on Miller Road near the LBJ Freeway. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects, Haley Barber and Leo Moore, fled, leading them on a brief vehicle pursuit before stopping and fleeing on foot.
Both suspects were apprehended a short time later.
Police said they found evidence that Barber and Moore knew Ross and were responsible for his death.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by Dallas-Fort Worth Fox affiliate KDFW revealed additional details about Ross’ alleged murder.
According to the report, Barber sold a car to one of her friends that she claimed belonged to her “grandfather,” but which Ross actually owned.
That friend accompanied Barber to Ross’ condo to get a spare key for the vehicle and reported that the house had a “foul smell.” The friend then inquired about Barber’s grandfather, and she allegedly showed him Ross’ body, which was wrapped in a back bedroom.
Barber then allegedly confessed to the friend that she and Moore had drugged Ross’ drink before stabbing him. According to the report, the friend then called his mother and the police.
Inside the condo, police reportedly discovered a Bowie knife, bloodstains on the couches, and bloody towels and shoes in the closet. Ross’s body was discovered wrapped in garbage bags, sheets, and a rug.
A neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the two suspects entering and exiting the condo multiple times during the time period when police believe Ross was killed, which is said to be several days before his body was found.
Authorities apprehended Barber and Moore while they were driving Ross’s Mercedes.
During an interview with police, Barber allegedly admitted that she and Moore intended to steal Ross’ money and cars.
Moore allegedly admitted to waiting until Ross was asleep on the couch before stabbing him in the neck. The two reportedly left the apartment for eight to ten hours before returning to discover Ross still alive.
Barber then reportedly told Moore to “finish off” Ross so she wouldn’t have to see him suffer. Moore allegedly admitted to stabbing Ross in the upper back several times.
The suspects are currently being held at the Dallas County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond.
